Heidi Holan, Republican House candidate from District 46, recently warned constituents via Facebook to “pay close attention to the man behind the curtain” as House Speaker Mike Madigan and his cronies thwart middle-income jobs in Illinois.
Madigan said during an interview at the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia that the government should not be striving to reduce anyone’s wages and standard of living, particularly the poor and middle class; yet under his long-time leadership in Illinois, Holan said that very scenario has unfolded.
"The government ought to be in the business … of working to raise wages, raise the standard of living, make life better for people who are willing to work and go to a job," Madigan said. Yet, Holan said his policies consistently hinder progress for the state’s middle-class citizens.
Only 45 percent of Illinois households qualify as middle class, yet the state’s property taxes are among the nation’s very highest; while its personal income levels have leveled off disproportionately to the tax burden, resulting in downsizing and some families moving out of state seeking more equitable jobs and living standards.
In 2011, one law raised taxes for an average family of three netting $60,000 yearly by $1,080; additionally, over 1.8 million state residents depend on food stamps — more than 14 percent of the entire population.
Not only are Illinois manufacturing workers paid poorly, but the availability of positions is shrinking. Money spent on workers compensation cases funnels directly back to politicians connected with law firms; and property taxes remain inflated, with proceeds going to government-funded organizations.
“Madigan and his caucus own the destruction of middle-income wage jobs in Illinois,” Holan said.
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