Rockford Sun

Republican state Rep. Jeff Keicher (Sycamore) is taking a 'promises made, promises kept' attitude to the positive aspects he sees in this year’s new state budget plan.

“Over a year ago, I began my first-ever campaign for public office with a very simple and straightforward platform,” Keicher said in a blog posted to his website. “My goals included protecting taxpayers, creating jobs and economic development, establishing a world-class education and workforce development system, restoring fiscal stability and balancing the budget, and rebuilding Illinois’ infrastructure. I am very pleased that after my first legislative session, we have started down a path to make these goals a reality.”

With the new $40 billion spending plan now in tow, Keicher also stressed the state has its first balanced budget in years.

Illinois state Rep. Jeff Keicher

“We enacted a major jobs program for the first time in more than a decade to help rebuild our roads and bridges, transit, airports and rail, high speed broadband in rural areas, and state facilities,” he added. “The General Assembly actually cut taxes on 300,000 small businesses by phasing out the corporate franchise tax.”

While touting some of the developments he viewed as successes, Keicher didn’t shy away from discussing the bills he opposed for not being representative of the values of local families and businesses.  

“I strongly opposed the $3.5 billion income tax hike that will significantly raise tax rates on our residents,” he wrote. “This plan had no meaningful property tax relief and was also opposed by groups like the Farm Bureau and Chamber of Commerce. Constituents told me very clearly that they do not trust politicians with more of their hard-earned tax dollars and I heeded their wishes.”

Keicher also highlighted his opposition to legislation calling for a minimum-wage increase and a proposal to expand abortion law.

“This is a very personal issue for families but I could not support the use of tax dollars to pay for these procedures, elimination of parental notification requirements, or allowing for very late-term or born-alive abortions,” he added.