Dupage Policy Journal

Mike Strick, a Republican candidate for Illinois House District 84, agrees with Gov. Bruce Rauner's stance that a tax hike will not solve the state's money problems. 

“I think there’s a lot of tough choices that have to be made,” Strick said. “I really believe that raising taxes on the people of Illinois in such tough economic times isn’t a viable solution. All we seem to be doing all the time is taxing people and not getting much out of it.”

Rauner also said during his State of the Budget address on Wednesday that an unbalanced budget would put “everything on the table” for spending cuts except funding for early childhood education and general aid to schools,

Incumbent State Rep. Stephanie Kifowit (D-Oswego) said she is happy that the governor is focusing on education.

“I think educating our children is of the utmost importance and making sure we have proper funding for all school districts, not just the poor school districts,” Kifowit said. “That was a positive note. I think we just need to keep working toward a solution for the budget crisis, and hopefully we’ll get some movement to resolve that too.”

Kifowit also said she believes focusing on the state’s universities is paramount.

“College students need educational opportunities as well,” Kifowit said. “I voted for MAP funding. What that bill does is give authority to the governor that if there are funds available he can distribute the funds. So hopefully some students can continue their education with MAP funding as well.”

The Monetary Award Program (MAP) provides grants to Illinois residents who attend approved Illinois colleges and do not have to be repaid. Colleges and universities in Illinois have been running without funding from the state since the budget impasse began.