Lake County Gazette

Republican House hopeful Dan Yost is convinced Gov. J.B. Pritzker and Democratic lawmakers across the state are guilty of false advertising in their progressive income tax push.

“I really believe that the tax will not accomplish anything they say it will,” Yost told the Lake County Gazette. “The only thing this tax will do is make it harder on working families, retirees and small business. This tax is a recipe for disaster.”

Despite Pritzker and his supporters continuing to sell the tax as a measure that will only mean higher tax rates for the state’s most affluent residents, according to the Chicago Tribune, Yost remains as unconvinced as he is baffled at the governor’s determination.

“I’ve heard that the governor is going to spend up to $250 million dollars of his own money to pass this tax increase,” he said. “He’s already committed more than $50 million. Stop and think about that for a second. How many Illinois businesses could be paid their back logged bills if he donated the money to the state and just let the public decide on the constitutional amendment? Why not make spending cuts first to see just how much of a tax hike we really need, if you believe we do? Honestly, I don’t pretend to understand his motives.”

Running against incumbent state Rep. Joyce Mason (D-Gurnee) in the 61st District, Yost said he can’t see himself supporting any new tax given how hard hit Illinois residents have long been.

“I want to see Illinois take a good, hard look at spending and the problems that are causing the shortfalls to begin with,” he said. “If we were to make true reforms that actually begin to solve our fiscal mess, I’d be willing to listen to proposals that involved increased revenue. I think it’s irresponsible to take things off the table just because I don’t agree with it. I will tell you though, I personally cannot think of a scenario where I could get behind a tax increase.”