Dupage Policy Journal

Jeanne Ives is convinced Illinois Democrats have an ulterior motive for their slow response in providing what she sees as inadequate funding for small business owners crippled by the impact of COVID-19.

“They’re looking to get more out of the package for state and local government,” Ives told the DuPage Policy Journal. “They’re happy to spend taxpayer money on anything, but what is concerning is the accountability for the spending.”

Now running against incumbent U.S. State Rep. Sean Casten (D-Downers Grove) in the 6th Congressional District, Ives sees her rival as being one of the biggest ringleaders in the current campaign.

“Casten and (U.S. Congressman) Bill Foster wrote a letter with others to Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) and Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) saying we need equitable funding for state and local governments,” Ives said. “They cited information that Illinois per capital receives the lowest amount of reimbursement from the CARES Act package and they want it to be made equitable. I agree that Illinois deserves its fair share, but when Casten had a chance to argue for equitable funding in the big relief bill, he asked instead for renewable energy credits and enhanced airplane emission standards in support of the Green New Deal. Then, he voted for the very bill that created the inequitable funding. It doesn't make sense.”

Ives says she's received feedback from businesses about their needs.

“I have spent the past week reaching out to business owners throughout the 6th Congressional District,” she added in a recent press release. “They all say they need relief within two weeks to support payroll, and – in some cases – to keep their doors open in the long term. None of them are looking for a bailout, but rather targeted and temporary assistance. The response from Casten and Democrats is not leadership. It is self-serving manipulation for the benefit of special interest groups.”