What does the phrase "bilking the public" in the senator's speech suggest about government actions?

The phrase "bilking the public" implies that the government is engaging in deceptive practices that ultimately mislead or defraud the constituents. This suggests that there may be dishonest or manipulative tactics at play regarding taxation or financial policies, indicating that the government is not being entirely upfront or truthful about how it is handling public funds or levying taxes.

In this context, the term "bilking" carries a negative connotation, aligning perfectly with the idea of deceptive taxation approaches, where the government may be taking advantage of the public's trust or understanding. This contrasts sharply with notions of transparent governance, empathy, or a willingness to concede to public opinion, which would reflect more positive and honest interactions between the government and the citizens.