West Central Reporter

Bryce Benton, candidate for State Senate in the 50th District of Illinois, applauded Gov. Bruce Rauner’s efforts to rescue the state from its current financial crisis.

“Illinois is in crisis,” Benton wrote on his Facebook page. “We haven't balanced our budgets in decades. For far too long, we've made ends meet by raising taxes and fees, shortchanging our pension systems, underfunding our schools, and a whole host of other bad ideas.”

Rauner outlined his plan of action in a budget address last Wednesday and urged lawmakers to work together to create reform to boost the state’s economy, create jobs and save taxpayers.

Rauner also said a tax hike would not solve the state’s budget problems and that he is committed to creating a better business climate in Illinois so citizens won’t have to see workers in surrounding states paying less taxes and earning better pay than Illinoisans.

Benton, a law enforcement officer, said the state’s structural budget deficits and mounting debt are hurting citizens in need of critical services the most.

“To move forward, we must take on the status quo and fundamentally change the way state government operates,” Benton wrote.

Illinois has been operating without a budget since July 1, 2015, resulting in many spending cuts across the state.

Earlier this month, Rauner endorsed Benton over incumbent Sen. Sam McCann in the Republican primary for the 50th Senate District.

Benton, who is opposed to increasing taxes, said Illinois needs an economy that works for the people and championed the governor’s vision of reform in various sectors of the government.

“We need an economy that works for everyone, with expanding job opportunities and a growing tax base,” Benton wrote. “We need vital reforms, like workers' compensation reform and tort reform, to make Illinois an attractive place for families to live and businesses to relocate and expand. Today, Governor Rauner offered a bold, forward-looking vision for getting our state back on track, and I proudly support many of the efforts he outlined in his budget address.”

The 50th District includes parts of Sangamon, Jersey, Macoupin and Madison counties, as well as all of Calhoun, Greene, Morgan, Pike and Scott counties.