Macon Reporter

State House District 96 candidate Lisa Smith is expressing her concerns about the current state of affairs in Illinois, calling for change in various areas affecting citizens. In a candid social media post, Smith highlighted what she perceives as issues with the current representation, urging voters to consider alternatives.

“What do we the citizens of Illinois get from them?” Smith said. “Totally screwed that’s what. Vote them out.”

Smith linked to photos of her opponent State Rep. Sue Scherer (D-Decatur) and another Democrat.

“These 2 people are not working for you,” Smith said on Facebook, expressing concern about various issues.

According to Smith, people are burdened with high taxes with funds that she alleges are being used for illegal immigrants at the expense of Illinoisans. Arguing that her opponent allowed these unfavorable circumstances, she advocated for closing borders, lowering taxes, and implementing school choice as laws to address these concerns, as well as protecting constitutional rights.

A study conducted by WalletHub in 2023 disclosed that families in Illinois bear the highest state and local tax burden nationwide. The average household pays 15% of its income or $10,463 - a 22% increase since 2017. This statistic includes tax rates for households earning median income and owning median-valued homes. Illinois tops all states in this category with a tax burden nearly $3,000 higher than the median state, Massachusetts.

Illinois is also dealing with the nation's worst pension debt amounting to $140 billion for state pensions and an additional $70 billion for local pensions - equivalent to $42,600 in liability per Illinois household. The study further highlighted that Illinois has the second-highest gas taxes and ranks No. 2 nationally in property tax - factors that further strain residents financially. Illinois Policy suggests a "hold harmless" pension reform plan to address the unfunded pension liability and ensure retirement security for pensioners, emphasizing the need for constitutional change and legislative action.

In mid-November, Gov. J.B. Pritzker announced $160 million in new funding from the Illinois Department of Human Services to address Chicago’s migrant crisis. With over 21,000 asylum seekers currently housed in shelters, police stations, or O’Hare International Airport, the funding includes $30 million for a large intake and welcome center to streamline services and reduce delays. An additional $65 million has been allocated for winterized tent basecamps accommodating up to 2,000 migrants for six months, with another $65 million set aside to expand support services such as legal aid and work permit assistance. CBS News reported that Pritzker urged swift action to prevent people from freezing on Chicago’s streets as winter nears and highlighted the state’s collaboration with the city on this humanitarian effort.

Smith is campaigning with a focus on protecting constitutional rights and fostering positive change. Her website outlines her commitment to family values, underscored by her 35-year marriage to a pastor, her role as a mother of ten children (seven adopted), and her family's dedication to public service - with three sons having served or currently serving in the military. Smith, who holds a doctorate from the University of Illinois at Chicago and is a certified pediatric mental health specialist, is running against incumbent State Rep. Sue Scherer (D-Decatur).