Rep. Laura Fine – Toeing The Line

Last month, many Illinoisans noticed that there was a significant chunk missing from their paycheck - a whopping 33% less. So as the state’s new income tax hike takes effect, it’s crucial that we remember who was responsible for this change and so many other decisions that are quickly crumbling our state. For the residents of Evanston, Glenview, Skokie, and Wilmette, there is one person in particular that we can thank: State Representative Laura Fine.

There’s no ambiguity about it, Democrat Laura Fine voted to increase your income taxes by 33%. Then when the hike was vetoed, she doubled down and supported it again. Most of us learned early in life that two wrongs don’t make a right, but for Fine – another one of Madigan’s hand-picked legislators – that isn’t the case.

Like every career politician in Illinois, she’ll tell you she’s an independent voice in Springfield, but then take close to a hundred thousand dollars in contributions from the party which Madigan leads. She’s also refused to support term limits for all legislators.

Don’t be fooled.

Supporting Laura Fine has, and always will be, supporting the status quo, Mike Madigan, and less money in the pockets of people throughout her district.

Just as Geppetto created Pinocchio, Laura Fine has Mike Madigan to thank for her political career and has shown she owes him with every vote she takes on behalf of Evanston residents. May we never forget that her first vote in the legislature has always been for Mike Madigan as speaker. This January, she supported him for his 17th term. Fine may not have done well with your taxes, but she has helped make her mark – Madigan is now the longest serving state speaker in United States history thanks in part to her.

It’s sometimes said that insanity is doing the same thing and expecting a different result. An alternative definition of insanity could be continuing to support Laura Fine as she helps drive our state further into the ditch.

While it may be many months before we go to the ballot box again, it’s always a nice reminder for those who may consider again supporting Laura Fine that if they do, they’d better bring their check book too.

Blair Garber is the Evanston Township Republican Committeeman, an Illinois Republican Party State Central Committeeman, and Chairman of the Illinois State Lottery Control Board