Chicago City Wire

Rep. John D’Amico (D-Chicago) proved he is in lock-step with House Speaker Michael Madigan (D-Chicago) when he voted for a  permanent 32 percent state income tax hike this summer, Republican challenger Amanda Biela told Chicago City Wire recently.

"My opponent, John D'Amico, voted for the largest permanent income tax hike in Illinois history because he believed the financial woes of the state should be firmly placed on the backs of the people," she said. "This is a classic tactic of the Madigan/Chicago machine that D'Amico belongs to. Their solution to any problem is raise taxes again and again and again. It doesn't matter that raising taxes never solves the financial mess of the state and at best just kicks the can down the road a little further."

Amico joined with fellow Democrats and more than a dozen House Republicans to pass the largely reform-free and tax-heavy budget. That budget isn't doing so well, Biela said.

"The 2018 budget with the massive 32 percent income tax hike is floundering," she said. "The budget is already looking at a $1.7 billion hole for the year. In addition, the Governor's Office of Management and Budget projects a $2 billion-plus budget deficit in 2019. Even with the incredible tax increase, Illinois is in serious trouble."  

Biela argues that reform measures are the only solution to the state's financial woes.

"As state representative, I would advocate for real and substantial reforms, such as a 1 percent hard cap on property taxes, curbing local government subsidies and eliminating costly state mandates," she said. "Most importantly, legislators need to get serious about pension reforms. Right now, the system is not sustainable. Yes, promises must be kept to pensioners, but reforms for new hires are imperative."

Tax increases have not been popular with district residents she has spoken to while canvassing door-to-door this election cycle, Biela said. 

"They feel beaten up by taxation, whether it's having the highest property taxes in the nation, having more of their income taken away in every check, or just all the nickel-and-dime taxes – plastic bags, water bottles, phone, gas, etc. – that they face daily," she said. "It makes folks question whether or not it's worth staying in Illinois. 

"Everyone knows somebody that hasn't gotten up and moved. I've met several people that tell me, 'I'd like to vote for you, but we're leaving and won't be here next November,'" she said.

Despite all of that, D'Amico "is out of touch with his district," Biela said. 

"The 32 percent tax increase was a major blow to families in our community, costing them anywhere from $500 to $1,500 per year," she said. "That's not small change. That's money that could instead be used for a kid going to college, a family vacation or a much-needed home improvement. 

"But then again, someone who has a connected job with the city and will collect two pensions doesn't have the same worries as the rest of us," she said.

The 15th House District includes Morton Grove and Niles.