Will County Gazette

Senate District 19 candidate, Samantha Gasca, has voiced her concerns over the projected 7% increase in taxes for Will County, raising alarm that the situation could potentially be worse in Cook County. Gasca shed light on the Property Tax Extension Law Limit (PTELL), explaining that while property tax extensions are generally capped at 5%, there is a possibility for increases above this limit with voter approval.

“People are being taxed out of their homes in the 19th District, inflation is soaring, and our wages remain the same… so what is our leadership doing? Twiddling thumbs?” Gasca said on Facebook. “I would like to vote down all tax increases starting with a zero-balance budget, vote yes on tax rebates, and demand a lower income tax (since our wages aren’t increasing sufficiently and in accordance with the increase in our property taxes and income taxes).”

“My question is: What will Senator Hastings do about this surmounting crisis? We the People demand that he and all public “servants” in our district, vote NO on property tax increases until they can do something about our wages/salaries.”

Gasca's concern aligns with a 2023 WalletHub study revealing that Illinois families bear the highest state and local tax burden nationwide. The study noted a 22% increase in the tax burden since 2017, placing Illinois at the top among all states. Challenges such as the highest pension debt in the nation, second-highest gas taxes, and a property tax ranking of No. 2 have exacerbated financial strain on residents.

The report also highlighted that Illinois' tax burden is nearly $3,000 higher than that of Massachusetts—the median state. The state's pension debt is reportedly the worst in the nation—totaling $140 billion for state pensions and an additional $70 billion for local pensions. This amounts to $42,600 in liability for each Illinois household. Illinois Policy suggests a "hold harmless" pension reform plan to address the unfunded pension liability and ensure retirement security for pensioners, underlining the need for a constitutional change and legislative action.

Gasca has an extensive background in radio, counseling, and business. Since March 2018, she has been actively engaged as the Radio Program Content Coordinator and Data Analyst at Moody Radio. As per her LinkedIn profile, Gasca also owns and operates God Heard LLC—a multifaceted platform established in July 2021. Through this venture, she offers pastoral counseling, life coaching, and business consulting services.

Senate District 19 encompasses all or parts of various locations including Lockport, New Lenox, Mokena, Orland Park, Tinley Park among others. The district is currently represented by Michael Hastings (D-Frankfort), who has held the seat since 2013 according to Ballotpedia.