North Cook News

Katie Miller has three main targets in mind if she unseats Rep. David Harris (R-Arlington Heights) in the 53rd District: a smarter state budget, pension reform and term limits.

“The families of our community are hungry for independent leadership in Springfield, and I'm excited to be part of the reform movement to put an end to the broken political class that has decimated our state,” the Mount Prospect nurse told the North Cook News. “The state of Illinois has a spending problem and not a revenue problem. Repeal the recent tax increase of 33 percent on taxpayers that is burdening our families."

According to the Republican primary candidate, taxpayers in each of the following districts will see the noted average increase in state income tax this year: Buffalo Grove will rise to $1,073, Arlington Heights-North to $1,067, Arlington Heights-South to $1,017, Mt. Prospect to $722, Prospect Heights to $711 and Wheeling to $575.

Katie Miller

“Even with more money from us, they are still talking about a gas tax and a progressive income tax and higher property taxes,” she said, arguing that wasteful spending must end and unpaid items should not be added to the budget. “The people of Illinois have to live on a budget for their household. Why does the state of Illinois not need to?”

Miller vowed to vote against any budget with what she considers wasteful spending.

"I will also move to return income tax rates to pre-July 1 levels, and I will vote against any increase in taxes, i.e., increases in property taxes, sales taxes and gas taxes," she said.

Miller would also tackle pensions, she said. 

“Pensions are what is driving down our budget," she said. "I believe pensions should be more aligned with the private sector."

Miller said she would fight to end the annual 3 percent cost of living increase in pensions. 

“Also, change pensions for new people in government to 401k similar to the private sector and eliminate the collection of multiple pensions," she said.

Lastly, an elected official should only be able to serve for so long, Miller argued.

“We should not have people in government for 20 to 40 years, she said. "I believe that after a person is in position for too long the connection with everyday people is gone,” 

Miller pointed to House Speaker Mike Madigan (D-Chicago) as an example of someone whom she sees as outliving his welcome.

“In order to change the political landscape, we need independent, reform-minded leaders who will to go to Springfield and take on the establishment of both parties," she said. 

Miller said she will fight to see a maximum of 12 years or six terms for all politicians.

Miller will face Eddie Corrigan in the March 20 primary.