The issue of state taxes seems to be dominating the conversations of many Illinois citizens as the election season kicks into full gear. It’s no secret that a large number of taxpayers are unhappy with the tax rates in the state, which has prompted many Illinoisans to pay close attention to promises political candidates are making.
If elected, Illinois State House candidate Allen Skillicorn, who is running for the 66th District seat, promises to devote his attention to property taxes.
A campaign commercial sponsored by Liberty Principles PAC states that Skillicorn understands the importance of keeping job creators in Illinois because he is a marketing director for a local business.
“As a village trustee, Skillicorn understands you are getting crushed by ever-increasing property taxes," the ad said. "He successfully fought to freeze taxes for the last five years. Skillicorn will never wave the flag of surrender to higher taxes.”
Skillicorn was elected as trustee for the Village of East Dundee in 2011 where his work to keep property taxes from rising ultimately dropped village property taxes per home. Skillicorn has been endorsed by Tax Accountability, the Political Action arm of Taxpayers United of America (TUA).
“Tax Accountability is pleased to endorse Allen Skillicorn for the Illinois General Assembly’s 66th State House District,” TUA announced on its website. “Allen has pledged to oppose any tax increases the legislature proposes, and he is a true champion for Illinois taxpayers. I urge voters to support Allen’s candidacy and help send a tax fighter to the Illinois General Assembly.”
Skillicorn signed the Tax Accountability Taxpayer Protection Pledge on July 10, 2015, promising to “support economic freedom by working to decrease the overall tax burden of taxpayers.”
According to the Tax Foundation, the nation’s leading independent tax policy research organization, Illinois’ tax burden ranks higher than most other states. With the budget problems the state is currently facing, the possibility of even higher taxes is troublesome to many.
High taxes have negatively impacted Illinois’ business climate. As a result, some local businesses have opted to move out of the state and relocate to neighboring states where tax rates are more favorable.
Skillicorn is hoping to fill Republican State Rep. Mike Tryon’s seat. Tyron announced last June that he would not run for re-election, citing his belief in term limits for elected officials as the reason for ending his 12-year run.
Skillicorn is a life-long resident of the Fox River Valley. He grew up in Crystal Lake and Algonquin, and graduated from Dundee Crown High School. He resides in East Dundee with his family. Skillicorn is running against Carolyn Schofield, Paul Serwatka and Dan Wilbrandt.
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