North Cook News

Wayne Keen, a candidate for Illinois House District 54, said his priorities include reducing property taxes, enhancing transparency, improving safety, and expanding school choice for families. Keen made these remarks during an interview.

"High Property Taxes, Public Office Transparency, Making Illinois communities Safe," said Keen. "Looking into financial state and local contracts for current accountability. School choice, giving parents the choice to place their child in the school of their choice."

Illinois' 54th District, which includes suburbs such as Arlington Heights and Palatine, has been the center of debates over high property taxes, rising crime concerns, and the future of school choice. According to the Daily Herald, local elections in 2024 have highlighted frustrations over Illinois' high tax burden and public safety issues. The conclusion of the Invest in Kids tax-credit scholarship program has also sparked significant debate among families and lawmakers regarding education policy.

The Tax Foundation reports that Illinois has one of the highest property tax burdens in the nation. The state's effective property tax rate on owner-occupied housing is approximately 1.95%, significantly above the U.S. average. Additionally, Illinois ranks 37th on the 2025 State Business Tax Climate Index, highlighting affordability challenges for homeowners.

School choice remains a contentious issue following the termination of the Invest in Kids program in 2023. WTTW states that this program provided scholarships to more than 9,600 students during the 2022–23 academic year. Meanwhile, according to the Illinois Network of Charter Schools, around 54,375 students are enrolled in charter schools statewide, indicating continued demand for alternatives to traditional public schools.

Keen has spent over 25 years in education as a teacher, coach, and local union representative. He has worked with students, families, and colleagues to address problems and improve outcomes. As a Harper College alumnus and motorcycle safety instructor with experience as an athletic coach, Keen brings a practical approach to public service and coalition-building. He is running for State Representative to address high property taxes, enhance transparency in state and local spending, and equip law enforcement with necessary tools and training to ensure neighborhood safety. Keen supports school choice and parent empowerment while addressing local infrastructure and traffic concerns through data-driven planning.

The Illinois House of Representatives serves as the lower chamber of the General Assembly with 118 members who serve two-year terms without term limits. According to the Illinois General Assembly's description of its functions, it collaborates with the Senate and Governor to create laws, pass budgets, and oversee public policy. The representative from District 54 focuses on issues such as property taxes, education policy changes following recent legislative decisions like ending certain scholarship programs or addressing crime rates impacting suburban communities like those found within northwest Cook County suburbs surrounding Chicago city limits where many residents commute daily into work downtown via Metra rail lines running through stations located nearby homes throughout this region.