Chicago City Wire

Terry Nguyen Le, a candidate for House District 13, said his priorities would include lowering taxes, cutting government spending, enhancing law enforcement, and promoting school choice to improve opportunities and safety. This statement was made during an interview.

"Fiscal Responsibility: I'd push for lower taxes and reduced government spending to ease the burden on families and businesses, addressing Illinois' high tax rates and pension crisis through transparent, sustainable reforms," said Nguyen Le. "Public Safety: Strengthening law enforcement and implementing tougher measures against violent crime are critical to ensuring safe communities, especially in areas struggling with rising crime rates. Education and Opportunity: I support school choice to empower parents and improve educational outcomes, particularly for low-income families, while fostering business-friendly policies to create jobs and economic growth."

Illinois is facing ongoing structural budget pressures despite the passage of a $53.1 billion fiscal year 2025 plan. Analysts have noted slowed revenue growth and long-term pension obligations that continue to strain the General Fund. The Civic Federation reported that while Illinois’ fiscal position has improved over the past decade, it still requires careful spending management and modernization of its tax system to maintain sustainability. These factors directly influence policies affecting communities in Chicago’s House District 13.

The state imposes a flat 4.95% individual income tax, a 9.5% corporate tax, and a 6.25% sales tax with an average combined state-local rate of 8.86% as of 2025. According to the Tax Foundation, Illinois’ high property taxes contribute to its ranking of 37th in the 2025 State Business Tax Climate Index, indicating competitiveness challenges compared to national averages.

USAFacts reported that violent crime in Illinois was recorded at 289 incidents per 100,000 residents in 2024, nearly 20% below the U.S. average. Property crime stood at 1,715 per 100,000 residents. The state's violent crime rate fell by 6.3% year over year, with aggravated assault and robbery comprising most offenses and murders accounting for just 2%.

Nguyen Le is described as a Chicago-born son of Vietnamese war refugees and a U.S. Army veteran who represents a new generation of leadership grounded in service and determination. His experience includes caregiving, small business operations, manufacturing, restaurant management, casino operations, and community volunteering. He is running for State Representative with goals to lower taxes, reduce wasteful spending, strengthen public safety measures, and expand school choice—particularly for working-class and low-income families. He advocates for pension reforms and increased transparency to stabilize Illinois’ finances, promote job growth, and restore trust in government.

The Illinois House of Representatives is part of the General Assembly established under the Constitution of 1818. It consists of 118 members serving two-year terms without limits. According to the State of Illinois government website, the House meets in Springfield and shares legislative responsibilities with the Senate and governor; it includes District 13 on Chicago’s North Side.