Kenny Idstein says his conversations with Illinoisans have become repetitive and frightening.
“They all have a desire to leave Illinois,” Idstein, who's spent years working in the home mortgage industry, told the Lake County Gazette. “What I get speaking with clients is that many of them have set their goals at leaving the state. It’s been that way for a number of years, and it’s getting worse every day.”
Idstein said a new Illinois Policy Institute report detailing how rising property taxes are outpacing population growth, inflation and the economy won’t do much to help the situation, but the Republican who recently launched his 2018 primary campaign in the 62nd District insists he’s here to stay and make a difference.
Kenny Idstein
“Getting property taxes and state taxes under control are a big part of my platform,” he said. “The people of Illinois and in my district need that relief.”
According to the institute, by 2013 Illinois residents were dealing with a property tax burden that was 76 percent higher than in 1990. Overall, property taxes are the largest tax in the state, with the government pocketing as much as $27 billion in revenue as recently as 2013.
Over the last century, Illinois property taxes have also grown 2.5 times faster than inflation and 14 times faster than the population. Since 1990, residential property taxes across the state have grown 3.3 times faster than median household incomes.
“We need to identify priorities in the district and across the state and continue to work together to come up with meaningful solutions,” Idstein said. “The need for lower property taxes and income taxes is uniform — something we can all get behind in the name of providing relief.”
Idstein has never held public office but previously served 17 years on the Grayslake Chamber Board and 10 years with the Planning Zoning Commission. The 62nd District seat is held by incumbent Rep. Sam Yingling (D-Round Lake Beach).
The 62nd District encompasses Grayslake, Round Lake and Round Lake Beach.
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