South West Illinois News

Dr. Paul Jacobs wants to know why Gov. Bruce Rauner thinks Christians should have to pay for abortions.

“They’re always hollering about the separation of church and state,” Jacobs told the Southwst Illinois News. “People are going to look at (Rauner’s stance) very seriously.”

Rauner turned House Bill 40 into law in September and turned many conservatives against him in the process. HB40 requires Medicaid and state insurance to cover abortions at any time and for any reason.

Jacobs, who is running against Rep. Terri Bryant (R-Murphysboro) in the 115th District, hasn't given up on Rauner, since he says the governor has rejected some spending initiatives Jacobs deemed irresponsible.

“He vetoed some important things,” Jacobs said.

Rauner faces a possible primary challenge from Rep. Jeanne Ives (R-Wheaton), who has initiated collecting nominating signatures. Jacobs said the challenge could be a good thing, since Rauner also allowed this summer's record-breaking 32 percent income tax increase, which has angered many Illinoisans.

“It’s just so, so immense,” Jacobs said, adding that the hike will continue to exacerbate what he sees as a mass exodus of people and businesses out of the state. 

As for Ives, Jacobs sees promise.

“She’s a conservative leader,” Jacobs said, noting that Ives aligns with him on many major issues. “Also, she’s not a billionaire.”

Of a recent plan to implement a property tax freeze, Jacobs said since the freeze would not cover rental properties and commercial properties, it might not have the tax-saving power its planners intended.

“If they don’t freeze property taxes for all, it’s not much of a freeze,” Jacobs said.

He also speculated on what’s happening in the Legislature, saying not all discussions are transparent.

“We just don’t know for sure what they’re negotiating,” Jacobs said.

In the end, Jacobs said, real change will involve making large-scale changes, not just electing a new governor.

District 115 including the counties of Jackson, Jefferson, Washington, Perry and Union.