From Scott Gartner’s Facebook page:
As the Mayor of Antioch, I am compelled to express the deep frustration and rightful anger of our residents regarding the recently enacted $55.2 billion state budget. This budget, pushed through under Governor Pritzker’s leadership, or should I say lack of leadership, includes over $800 million in new taxes that hit hardworking Illinoisans and small businesses, while doing little to address the real financial issues crippling our state.
Despite these tax hikes, critical services remain underfunded. Our public transportation system is facing a projected $770 million shortfall. Yet instead of developing a fair and effective solution, Springfield appears ready to make suburban communities like ours shoulder the burden of bailing out decades of financial mismanagement by the City of Chicago and the CTA. It is unacceptable to ask our communities to sacrifice essential Metra service or local investments in order to clean up a mess we did not create.
Meanwhile, the state’s pension crisis, now surpassing $140 billion in unfunded liabilities, remains untouched. This massive burden drains nearly a quarter of the state’s general fund and siphons resources from where they’re needed most: our schools, infrastructure, public safety, and social services. Illinois residents are paying more and receiving less.
People across this state are rightfully angry. Governor Pritzker and his administration need to understand that we’re tired of being taxed without seeing real results. We’re tired of waste, bureaucracy, and failed priorities. The people of Illinois deserve better.
Perhaps this is the right time for Governor Pritzker to pursue his ambitions on the national stage, because what he’s leaving behind is an even bigger mess than he started with. It’s time for leaders grounded in common sense and accountability, not billionaires to step up and take back Illinois on behalf of working families.
I will continue to fight for the residents of Antioch and push for responsible governance that truly reflects the priorities of the people
