Illinois Valley Times

Jerry Long, the Republican candidate for the District 76 state House seat, recently expressed frustration over the way elected officials are managing the state’s budget.

Long, who achieved a landslide victory in the Republican primary against Jacob Bramel, shared his disappointment at how the incumbent leaders of the state are mismanaging the budget. Long also said the elected officials are failing to find or implement effective measures to solve the state's budget impasse. Long also said current leaders do not have the courage and wisdom to resolve the matters that are plaguing the state.

“Illinois is drowning in debt, and our elected officials want to raise taxes on Illinois families to solve the problems they created,” Long said, referring to the budget battle. “Our current representatives lack the courage and wisdom to seek permanent solutions to systemic problems.”

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One of the things Long stresses when asked about the reason behind his decision to run for office is the future faced by his children and grandchildren. Acknowledging that he has never aspired to be a politician, Long said the direction Illinois is heading under the current leadership prompted him to take action. In an effort to pitch in to make the future better for his descendants, Long opted to run for office.

“Runaway debt is going to leave our children with less opportunities and continue to squeeze middle-class families," Long said. "Furthermore, our unsustainable debt level has become increasingly more expensive thanks to the 17 credit-rating downgrades since the Great Recession."

Long also took aim at the way his opponent, state Rep. Andy Skoog (D-Ottawa), is handling the financial situation in Illinois. According to Long, Skoog chooses to prioritize party bosses and those with special interests instead of resolving the more pressing problems of the state. Long said his constituents must elect a leader who can work with everyone regardless of his or her party affiliation.  

“Our current representative is holding our state budget hostage in order to curry favor with party bosses and special interests," Long said. "The 76th District deserves a representative who is willing to work with both political parties and seek common ground,” Long said.

Long also urged voters to seek a more sensible budget plan that veers away from big tax hikes and safeguards the continuation of services that they want and need.

“We need a balanced budget to prevent a massive tax hike and ensure vital services continue,” Long said.

Long also shared his frustration over the efforts of House Speaker Mike Madigan (D-Chicago). Long said Madigan appears to favor oppressive tax increases to resolve the budget issue – a solution Long said would be very burdensome to working families in the state. Instead of tax hikes, Long called for growth policies and the elimination of government waste and inefficiencies.