West Central Reporter

Joshua Griffith has been outspoken about problems related to high property taxes that he says have had an adverse effect on Illinois residents and businesses, and he lays much of the blame on Rep. Norine Hammond (R-Macomb).

The Abingdon Republican is running in the GOP primary against Hammond, who has held the 93rd House District office since 2010. 

Speaking to the West Central Reporter on Thursday, Griffith cited a tight schedule and declined to go into detail regarding Hammond's mistakes, but he did say that he believes Hammond had "every opportunity" to fix problems that continue to plague residents, and, in his view, drive both people and businesses out of the state.

A recent Illinois Policy report said Illinois property taxes have risen a staggering six times faster than average household incomes during the seven-year period after America's financial recession.

Griffith believes the high taxes are to blame for many of the state's economic woes.

"This is a trend that needs to be reversed," Griffith said in a release posted on his campaign Facebook page. "Our politicians need to stop increasing our taxes and give the citizens of Illinois the chance to invest in a home, plant roots, and raise their families here without high property taxes. If changes are not made and high property taxes continue to grow, the trend of people fleeing Illinois will continue."

Citing the 32 percent tax increase approved with the budget last summer, Griffith delineated what he sees as a clear choice for voters.

"If you like the direction property taxes are going, stay with my opponent," Griffith wrote. "But if you think we can lower property taxes, increase home values, and thus reinvigorate our community, join with us. If I am elected, I am demanding a property tax cap of 1 percent of the home’s assessed value. I would also require voter approval for any future property tax increases. I believe these reforms would bring stability for homeowners in Illinois and would make it more affordable to remain in this great state."

The 93rd House District includes parts or all of Brown, Cass, Fulton, Knox, Mason, McDonough, Schuyler and Warren counties.