Real Solutions for Southern Illinois
Chip Markel isn’t running to score political points—he’s running to get things done. After listening to thousands of voters across the 118th District, he’s built a forward-thinking, commonsense plan that focuses on what matters most to Southern Illinois families: lowering property taxes, expanding access to affordable energy, protecting healthcare, and bringing our region’s voice to Springfield.
Here’s how Chip plans to deliver real change:
Lowering Property Taxes for Working Families
The Problem: Families and seniors in Southern Illinois are paying more than their fair share in property taxes while essential services remain underfunded.
Chip’s Plan:
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Introduce a Property Tax Relief Act to cap excessive annual increases and provide direct tax credits to working families and retirees.
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Support a Fair Funding Model for Education that reduces reliance on local property taxes by increasing the state’s share of school funding.
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Close corporate loopholes and push for assessment transparency to prevent unfair valuations and abuse by large landowners.
Expanding Residential Solar Energy
The Problem: Southern Illinois has the natural resources to lead in solar power, but families face red tape, high costs, and limited access to incentives.
Chip’s Plan:
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Introduce a Residential Solar Access Fund to provide upfront grants and financing for middle- and low-income homeowners.
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Advocate for net metering protections, allowing residents to sell excess solar energy back to the grid.
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Partner with unions and vocational schools to train a clean energy workforce right here in our region.
Protecting Healthcare and Veterans’ Services
The Problem: Politicians are proposing cuts to Medicaid and VA programs, putting rural healthcare and vulnerable residents at risk.
Chip’s Plan:
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Oppose any effort to cut or restrict Medicaid, which supports working families, seniors, and children across the district.
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Fight for full funding of VA clinics and improved access to care for rural veterans.
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Expand state support for rural hospitals and telemedicine, ensuring care is available no matter where you live.
Giving Southern Illinois a Voice in Springfield
The Problem: Decisions are being made in Springfield without input from the communities they impact—especially downstate.
Chip’s Plan:
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Form a Southern Illinois Legislative Caucus to unify downstate voices and advocate for rural priorities.
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Push for equitable infrastructure investments, including roads, bridges, broadband, and water systems.
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Ensure fair representation in statewide task forces and budget negotiations.
Additional Priorities
Chip believes in governing with transparency, integrity, and accountability. He also supports:
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Strengthening unions and workers’ rights
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Expanding broadband access across rural communities
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Reforming ethics laws to restore trust in state government
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Investing in mental health and addiction services