Will County Gazette

Dr. Nona Parker, a candidate for Illinois House District 98, has called for significant reforms in the state to address issues such as high taxes, transparency, education challenges, and policies she argues are detrimental to residents. This statement was made during an interview.

"As a citizen effected by the decisions of state government, I am extremely unhappy Illinois' high taxation, lack of transparency in financial reporting, the condition of our educational system, and the extreme policies put into place by this current administration, including our sanctuary state designation and the Safe-T Act legislation," said Nona Parker. "Illinois residents are suffering from decisions made by our current legislative majority and we need bold reforms that benefit our citizens rather than our politicians. I am running to be a voice for the people in my District."

Illinois is currently engaged in discussions regarding taxation, transparency, education challenges, and the criminal justice reforms introduced by the SAFE-T Act. According to NPR Illinois, the Illinois Supreme Court upheld the elimination of cash bail. Early research indicates that crime rates have not increased since this law took effect. Meanwhile, parents and lawmakers remain divided over the state's decision to terminate the Invest in Kids scholarship program amid ongoing fiscal pressures related to education funding.

The state of Illinois imposes a flat individual income tax rate of 4.95%, a corporate tax rate of 9.5%, and a state sales tax rate of 6.25%. When combined with local sales taxes, the average rate reaches 8.8%. The Tax Foundation reports that these rates position Illinois at 37th place in its 2025 State Business Tax Climate Index. Additionally, some of the highest property taxes in the country contribute to concerns about affordability and outmigration pressures.

The SAFE-T Act has resulted in reduced pretrial detention without causing an increase in crime rates. Sanctuary policies have similarly not been linked to higher crime rates. According to Loyola University Chicago’s Center for Criminal Justice Research, jail populations decreased significantly after the Pretrial Fairness Act was implemented. Multiple studies show that sanctuary jurisdictions often experience equal or lower crime rates compared to non-sanctuary areas.

Dr. Parker is also known as the founder and CEO of The Hope Center of Joliet, a nonprofit organization focused on youth and adult education, family services, and community outreach. She established the Excel Homeschool Academy and collaborates with foster care providers, showcasing more than 25 years of grassroots leadership experience. Professionally, Parker has spent 21 years in corporate accounting at CITGO with expertise in financial reconciliation; she is also a pastor and published author with an honorary Doctorate of Divinity. Her campaign for State Representative aims to deliver tax relief, advocate for school choice, and enhance transparency in state spending—reforming systems that she believes burden families while failing students and seniors.