From State Senator CraigWilcx:
| As Governor JB Pritzker prepares to deliver his annual budget address on Wednesday of this week, my Senate Republican colleagues and I are urging him to focus on affordability for Illinois families and a responsible, sustainable budget that does not raise taxes or fees. Families are already struggling with the rising cost of living. The last thing working people need is a budget that expands government while piling on higher costs. Our push and renewed call to improve affordability comes after Democratic lawmakers approved a budget last year that was the largest spending plan in Illinois history. That budget, which included zero Republican votes, included nearly $1 billion in new tax increases and relied heavily on budget gimmicks and one-time revenue sources. The more than $55 billion spending plan represented nearly a $15 billion increase in state spending, almost a 40 percent rise, since Governor Pritzker took office. Our caucus opposed the plan, pointing to record spending, misplaced priorities, a lack of transparency, and a growing financial burden on families and businesses. With the governor set to outline his next budget proposal, I am calling for relief for Illinois citizens. Governor Pritzker needs to rein in spending growth, provide real relief for working families, and commit to a budget that prioritizes taxpayers, families, and businesses, without any new or increased taxes. The governor is set to give the annual address before members of the General Assembly next Wednesday, February 18, at noon. |
