Kendall County Times

Rep. Keith Wheeler (R-Oswego) relishes the opportunity to unite GOP lawmakers and is convinced his new position sets him up to do just that.

Wheeler was recently appointed House Republican Conference chairman by House Minority Leader Jim Durkin (R-Western Springs), and he's convinced his new position couldn’t have come at a more opportune time for the good of the masses.

“My responsibility is to run caucus meetings efficiently and make sure important causes and issues are addressed from a Republican perspective,” Wheeler told Prairie State Wire. “I also look at my job as an opportunity to lend assistance to other members of the caucus so that they can be successful here and in their districts. I already spend a great deal of time with other caucus members, building the team up to share resources and insights to the betterment of everyone.”

House Minority Leader Jim Durkin (R-Western Springs)

Wheeler said one of the most pressing issues he thinks all Republicans need to coalesce around is taking a stand against higher property taxes, given that the state already boasts some of the highest rates in the country.

“The issue of property taxes is something we’re growing more and more focused on,” he said. “We will be rolling out new things to help make the case for why voters should look at our policies and heed our message on the matter. These out-of-control property taxes are one of the biggest reasons why there is such an outflow of residents out of Illinois.”

To hammer home that point, Wheeler tells the story of a former neighbor who felt the need to get out of Illinois, no matter what his financial standing.

“He took off and moved away for Indiana even after he won the lottery for $1 million,” he said. “Even with all that money, he felt property taxes here are so crazy that he and his family would have a better chance at the life they want for themselves somewhere else.”

Wheeler represents Illinois’ 50th House District, which includes Aurora, Batavia, Geneva, Plano, St. Charles and Yorkville.