Another Bad Budget Plan
This week, Governor Pritzker proposed the largest budget in state history – $52.7 billion. He has no more Federal COVID dollars to bail him out and so he has serious spending choices to make. So far, it appears he is choosing Illegal migrants over Illinois taxpayers for the second year in a row.
Here are a few facts about Governor Pritzker’s budget plan:
💰 A $2.29 billion increase from last year’s enacted budget
💰 A $775 million shortfall for FY25 based on existing revenue and the Governor’s plan
💰 Better healthcare benefits for non-citizens than most taxpayers receive
💰 $1 billion in new taxes and other budget gimmicks
You can watch more of my reaction here:
The State of Illinois has already spent $638 million in taxpayer funds on the migrant crisis, including health care, housing, and social services. Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendosa has launched a new portal to track State migrant-related spending. The Comptroller’s portal can be found here.
We must hold the Governor and the majority party accountable for bad budgeting practices. I will continue to fight for a responsible, transparent budget that protects our communities and reflects the priorities of our citizens. And we must repeal Illinois’ Sanctuary State status now for the sake of our families and our communities!
Truck Emissions Debate Scheduled, Canceled
A new bill proposed by Democrats would force the Illinois EPA to adopt California emission standards for trucks and surrender state sovereignty to California bureaucrats instead of Illinois lawmakers. The bill, House Bill 1634, was scheduled to be debated in the House Energy & Environment committee this week, but the hearing was canceled about an hour before its scheduled start.
You can make your voice heard on this bill by filing a committee a witness slip at https://my.ilga.gov/WitnessSlip/Create/144270?committeeHearingId=20573&LegislationId=144270&LegislationDocumentId=180845
Amending the Estate Tax
Some good news…bills have been filed this spring that would help keep family farms in the family by making positive changes to Illinois’ estate tax. Read more here: Illinois bill looks to raise estate tax threshold (wgem.com)
Happy Birthday to a True American Hero
On February 22 in 1732, President George Washington was born. Happy birthday week to one of our Founding Fathers and the first President of our nation!