Meet Steve McClure, candidate for Illinois 54th Senate District

Candidate's professional background: Lawyer, was an assistant state's attorney in Sangamon County for six years.

Candidate's educational background: BA in Political Science and a BA in History from Arizona State University, MA in Political Studies from UIS, and a JD from Valparaiso University School of Law

Candidate's family background: I am not married and have no children. I'm one of three children of Steve and Tammy McClure. My father is still alive, but my mom passed away from cancer in 2008. I have a younger brother Matt and an older sister, Katie. Katie is married to Justin Massimo and has three children (Charlotte, Lincoln, and Hudson).

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Health care costs continue to soar. What proposals do you have to address the escalating costs of health care including prescription drugs?

We need to eliminate the sales tax on medicine (SB 4164). We also need to have more transparency from nurse staffing agencies. They should itemize their charges in contracts with healthcare agencies, and should have increased reporting requirements due to allegations of price gouging.

Toxic political polarization has permeated the landscape. How will you work to heal the divide?

I continue to have good relationships with legislators on both sides of the aisle, and take pride in the fact that I have been able to get bills passed with broad bipartisan support (most recently, Senate Bill 1486). This is because I don't take arguments on the Senate Floor personally, I keep my word, and I treat my colleagues with respect. I plan to keep introducing bills that all members of the General Assembly can support, regardless of their political affiliation.

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Illinois has been ranked as the least tax-friendly state for the middle class in the nation. Beyond the tax relief passed in the most recent budget, how will you try and help ease the burden on taxpayers?

There are several bills that I am co-sponsoring that would significantly ease the tax burden. First, by eliminating the sales tax on groceries and medicine to lessen the impact of inflation (Senate Bill 4164). Second, by reducing the sales tax on gas, which would provide consumers $200 million in savings at the pump, while also ensuring our roads and infrastructure are still receiving necessary funding (Senate Bill 4162). Third, by providing property tax relief by increasing the tax credit to 10 percent and allowing voters the ability to go to referendum to vote to lower their property taxes (Senate Bills 4159, 4160, and 4163). Finally, by providing tax relief to seniors by doubling the income tax exemption from $1,000 to $2,000. (Senate Bill 4161).

Contact Royale Bonds: rbonds@gannett.com, twitter.com/@Royale59699722.

This article originally appeared on State Journal-Register: Illinois primary: Steve McClure, 54th Senate District candidate