Legislative Panel at First Friday Breakfast

(FROM LEFT, ST. REP. DARREN BAILEY RESPONDS TO A QUESTION WHILE ST. REP. BLAINE WILHOUR, ST. SEN. JASON PLUMMER AND ST. SEN. DALE RIGHTER LOOK ON)

The four area state legislators were on hand for the Chamber First Friday Breakfast. The Effingham County Chamber of Commerce has a First Friday Luncheon on a monthly basis, but changed it up for October with a Pancakes and Politicians breakfast at Thelma Keller Convention Center.

St. Sens. Dale Righter and Jason Plummer and St. Reps. Darren Bailey and Blaine Wilhour were present. The breakfast was an opportunity to hear from the three politicians in their first terms in Springfield in Plummer, Bailey and Wilhour, and one who will conclude 22 years in Springfield in Righter, who earlier announced he will not be seeking re-election.

The officials agreed that the November 2020 state referendum on a graduated income tax is the chief issue facing Illinois, and all four are opposed to a switch from the state's flat tax rate.

The legislators also shared their thoughts on the benefits and detriments of economic development tools like TIF Districts and Enterprise Zones, and discussed ways to harness the energy resources found downstate while also working not to harm the environment. 

The four also discussed how to work to get things done in Springfield without abandoning your beliefs, and whether that can be accomplished. 

News Director Greg Sapp served as moderator for the gathering.