From the Kane County Republican Party:
Kane County GOP Warns Voters Are Being Misled About Costly Tax Increase in April Referendum
St. Charles, IL – The Kane County GOP is calling on residents to vote against the proposed sales tax increase on April 1, 2025, citing the mounting financial burden caused by the SAFE-T Act’s unfunded mandates and reckless spending by Democrat-led county leadership.
Sheriff Ron Hain recently reported to the Kane County Board that bail reform measures within the SAFE-T Act have led to a sharp increase in the county’s jail population.
The law, championed by Governor Pritzker, has placed additional strain on law enforcement resources without adequate state funding.
“From the very beginning, Kane County Republicans warned that this unfunded mandate would lead to serious consequences,” said Andro Lerario, Chairman of the Kane County GOP.
“Now, we’re seeing exactly what we predicted: an increase in costs, a greater burden on taxpayers, and a
desperate push for higher taxes to cover the fallout.”
The proposed 0.75% sales tax increase, which Democrats claim will support public safety services, is projected to generate $51 million in annual revenue.
While supporters argue that the tax will fund the sheriff’s office, state’s attorney, public defender, coroner, and circuit clerk, the Kane County GOP warns that voters should not be misled.
“The Democrats are attempting to justify this tax hike under the guise of public safety,” said Lerario.
“But let’s be clear—this is the same party that has already inflated county spending by 88% in just four years, from $66 million in 2020 to $124 million in 2024.
“Their pattern of reckless taxation and spending is unsustainable.”
Kane County Democrat County Board members are touring the County trying to scare voters into believing that without this tax increase, serious safety groups will be cut, including the Child Pornography Task Force.
These are just scare tactics.
They are also portraying the tax as primarily being paid by outsiders passing through our County.
This is also misleading since the majority of retail sales in our county come from local Kane County residents.
Sheriff Ron Hain reinforced these concerns, stating in a recent Chicago Tribune article that the county jail population has significantly increased and that “the SAFE-T Act is not working as predicted.”
His statement highlights the ongoing issues law enforcement faces due to this legislation and the added costs to taxpayers.
The proposed tax increase will be placed on the April 1 ballot, coinciding with local elections.
The Kane County GOP urges voters to reject this costly measure and send a strong message that
enough is enough.
“We must stand together and stop the Democrats from using taxpayers as a blank check,” Lerario emphasized.
“Kane County residents deserve responsible governance, not endless tax hikes.”
For more information on how to get involved and support efforts to oppose the tax increase, visit
www.kanegop.org.
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The Kane County Republican Central Committee is the county organization for the Republican Party.
We are comprised of members from Aurora, Batavia, Campton, Dundee, Elgin, Geneva, St. Charles, Western Townships and Kane County Young Republican organizations.
The Kane County Republican Party advocates for the principles of limited government and conservative
values.
We accomplish this through recruiting, training and equipping an engaged citizenry with the
tools and support needed to educate voters and win elections.
