North Cook News

The stopgap budget passed at the end of June presents a reprieve from the financial crisis haunting the state of Illinois.

Many are grateful that it provides funding for several vital services, such as education. Others are more cautious about the bill. Mel Thillens, Republican candidate for the state Senate District 28 seat, said that while the stopgap is a good measure for education, it does little else.

Mel Thillens | Contributed photo

"It is good news that schools will open in the fall, and state services will be funded for the next six months,” Thillens said in a statement to North Cook News. “Beyond that, the stopgap budget does little to improve the quality of life in Illinois in the long term.”

While the stopgap, approved by Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner and top leaders of the Democratic-run Assembly, has increased the state’s bond rating to a three-week high and will fund prisons, social services, schools and construction projects, it is only a short-term measure. Many have already projected long-term consequences such as a massive increase in taxes for voters.

Thillens views the stopgap budget as another stopgap for politicians in Springfield and doesn’t see it as a compromise.

”While I’d love to think the stopgap budget is a sign of compromise, I see it for what it really is,” Thillens said. “It’s a way for politicians to get through the election before having to cast any tough votes. Voters are telling me that they wish politicians would start concerning themselves more with the problems facing our state and less with getting re-elected.”

Thillens recounts a conversation he had with one such voter in which the voter succinctly summarized his frustration about the leadership.

“One voter summed it up perfectly the other day when he said, ‘These politicians get elected in districts that they drew themselves, go to Springfield and cast votes that break the backs of taxpayers, then come back and tell us what a great job they’re doing,’” Thillens said.

Thillens hopes to get elected and cast votes to help taxpayers. He is running a campaign on the basis of change. Many voters to whom he has spoken are frustrated by what is going on in Illinois and are tired of the same old politicians in Springfield, Thillens said, adding that they are rightfully frustrated.

Thillens said he hopes to dilute that frustration and bring solid reforms to a state in need of them.

“I’m running to help enact common-sense reforms that will start moving our state in the right direction,” Thillens said. “Term limits, fair maps, small-business initiatives, pension reform and property-tax relief are all necessary. Everyone knows we need these reforms, but we won’t get them until we elect people that care more about the community than keeping the party bosses happy.”

The elections, Thillens said, are a chance for the voters to voice their choice.

“Elections are about choices,” Thillens said. “Come November, voters have the choice to reject the status quo of entrenched politicians and send people like myself down to Springfield. I’m doing this to improve the quality of life for Illinoisans.”

Thillens said serving the people of Illinois is his only purpose in the Senate, and he wishes to serve, then leave.

“I don’t want to make a career out of this,” Thillens said. “I’m not going to take a pension. I love this state and refuse to allow politicians to keep taking advantage of us.”