North Cook News

House District 55 candidate Dan Gott recently warned that Illinois’ stopgap budget will not fix the state’s financial distress and that it is a pathway for his opponents, Rep. Marty Moylan and Speaker Michael Madigan, to create higher taxes and a “supermajority” in the state house.

“The recent stopgap budget measure gave Madigan his pound of flesh from Illinois taxpayers, knowing all too well his ongoing policy will lead to higher taxes in the next six to eight months,” Gott told North Cook News. “It’s clear Madigan will keep Illinois saddled with spiraling debt until after the 2018 election, passing one stopgap budget after another, while the state circles the drain towards financial ruin.”

Gott, who has been very vocal of his opponent’s, as well as Madigan’s policies throughout this election, believes it is vital to not let the speaker gain additional Illinois House seats. Gott thinks this majority in the state house will lead to huge tax increases for Illinois.

“Madigan is more interested in waiting until after the Nov. 8 election date,” Gott said. “Afterwards, once the votes are counted, it is Madigan’s hope to gain additional house seats to set up a bullet-proof supermajority. He could then go to Illinois legislators in both the House and the Senate to gin up support for a big tax increase.”

Gott’s stance against the stopgap budget is also based on what he believes is the result of legislators not being willing to come together to reach a budget compromise.

“You do the right thing because it’s the right thing to do,” he said. “Illinois needs a balanced house and senate where legislators are willing to cross the aisle and negotiate with one another on important bills. We owe it to our children and grandchildren.”

Over the past several months, Gott has been focusing his campaign on the theme of bringing change to Illinois politics and what he calls the state’s “one party rule.” It is a message that he believes is resonating with Illinois voters. As he continues to go door to door talking with voters, he has said that Illinoisans are fed up with politicians and the current financial troubles of the state.

“So what are these legislators waiting for, absent any agreement on a balanced budget with reforms?” Gott said. “Becoming a profile in courage is not in the cards for many lawmakers. Personal pride and lack of moral fiber stand in their way, while placing greater emphasis on their career and not listening to the voice of the people,” he said. “It’s time to unite and stand up to political corruption and cronyism in Illinois.”

“(Madigan's) definitely waiting for Gov. Rauner to finish serving his four-year term,” Gott said. “Both Madigan and Moylan vote in agreement to pass unwarranted bills driven by financial mismanagement and wasteful spending. More financial pain is coming; taxpayers should get ready to open up their wallets. Illinoisans demand a balanced budget with reforms; Mr. Madigan, tear down this wall of unsustainable financial debt.”