10/12/2026
Should Tax Payer Dollars Fund Matt Hanson’s Campaign Mailings?
In Illinois, state representatives use public resources via the Legislative Printing Unit “LPU” to inform constituents about official legislative work. However, LPU rules state that materials must not "resemble campaign literature".
Legal Standard: 25 ILCS 130/9-2 (Article 9, Legislative Commission Reorganization Act of 1984).
Restrictions on Campaign-Style Content:
All publications created by the LPU must strictly pertain to a representative's official legislative work.
Public resources and taxpayer funds must not pay for mailings that "resemble campaign literature".
This summer, State Rep. Matt Hanson sent three mass mailings using state resources though the LPU featuring statements such as the following:
*"REP. MATT HANSON KNOWS WE DON'T HAVE TO ACCEPT WASHINGTON'S FEVERED VISION WHERE EVERYTHING GETS MORE EXPENSIVE AND EVERY DAY FEELS LIKE A STRUGGLE. HE IS FIGHTING FOR A BETTER PATH FOR ILLINOIS, FOCUSED ON AFFORDABILITY, COMMON SENSE, AND THE COMMON GOOD."*
AND
“That’s why I’m fighting for communities we can afford and a state that is both
responsible and compassionate—because Washington’s agenda is neither.”
AND
“Everyone in our community—whatever our political opinions—deserves so much more
from Washington than we are getting. Our budgets are getting tighter, our expenses are
getting higher, and our rights are getting chipped away—while politicians’ agenda is
getting smaller, pettier, and more self-serving.”
Records show $19,176.88 in documented postage across Hanson's three mailings totaling 59,831 pieces, all of which contained language of a similar nature, with additional estimated printing and production costs over $20,000.
Regardless of party affiliation, your tax dollars paid for these mailings. 🧐
🗳️ Poll Question: What do you think?
After reviewing this language, how would you describe it?
🔹 Information about official legislative work
🔹 Material that "resembles campaign literature"
🔹 Unsure
📌 Note: This poll asks for your personal impression, not a legal determination. The $19,176.88 postage figure reflects the total documented postage for all three mailings combined and the print cost is estimated.
