North Cook News

Republican Amanda Biela took to social media to express her frustration with the recent passage of a $36 billion state budget.

"Today the Illinois State Legislature callously approved a 32 percent tax increase," Biela, who has announced her candidacy for the 15th District House seat, posted. "Because they can't live within their means, Illinois families are stuck footing the bill. Now each of us has to alter our own personal budget due to entrenched politicians not being able to balance the state's budget without crazy tax increases."

The Senate and House voted to overturn Gov. Bruce Rauner's vetoes of the measures that make up the budget, including a $36 billion spending plan and a 32 percent permanent tax increase on individuals and corporations. Illinoisans will now pay 4.95 percent on their personal income instead of 3.75 percent, and corporations will pay 7 percent instead of 5.25 percent.

It is the first full state budget since 2015, but Biela described it as more of the same.

"We need to declare our independence from career, machine politicians like (House Speaker) Mike Madigan (D-Chicago) and (Rep.) John D'Amico (D-Chicago)," Biela posted. "Due to their machine's iron-fisted control, millions of Illinois citizens have taxation without competent representation."

Biela, who lives in Chicago's Edgebrook neighborhood according to her Facebook page, will run against incumbent D'Amico in the 2018 election.