Macon Reporter

Ted Dabrowski, a candidate for governor in Illinois, said that farmers in southern Illinois have been overlooked by state leaders and are facing challenges due to taxes, energy costs, and job shortages. This comment was made during a meet-and-greet event with the Farmers of Macon County Farm Bureau in Decatur.

"Southern Illinois and its hardworking farmers deserve far more attention than they receive from Gov. Pritzker and Illinois' Democratic supermajorities," said Dabrowski, Gubernatorial candidate for Illinois. "The area's punitive tax rates, jumping energy bills and a continued lack of good jobs are holding families back."

The Macon County Farm Bureau serves agricultural producers in central Illinois, providing advocacy and education on issues like taxation, regulation, and rural infrastructure. Local farmers frequently engage with state candidates to discuss economic and policy concerns.

Southern Illinois has seen slower job growth compared to other parts of the state, with some counties experiencing population decline over the past decade. Analysts attribute these trends to high property taxes, limited industrial investment, and energy costs that exceed national averages.

Dabrowski's professional experience includes over 30 years in international finance and domestic public policy. He previously served as Head of Corporate Banking at Citibank in Poland, where he advised government leaders on market liberalization and managed multi-billion-dollar Treasury operations in both Poland and Mexico. After returning to Illinois, he held leadership roles at the Illinois Policy Institute and later Wirepoints, a nonprofit policy organization. His work has been cited in national outlets such as The Wall Street Journal. Dabrowski holds advanced degrees from the University of Chicago and the Wharton School.