As FY24 Nears End, Revenues Fall Short of Last Year’s Numbers
The May 2024 report from the Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability (CGFA) showed a major decline in the State’s monthly cash flow. When comparing May 2024 general funds revenues with comparable revenues from May 2023, the May 2024 cash flow numbers fell short by $213 million. These are numbers that reflect the tax payments and federal funds payments that are essential to paying the State’s day-to-day bills.
The $53.1 billion budget just signed into law by Gov. Pritzker contains optimistic assumptions about tax payments and cash flows to the State of Illinois in FY25. These optimistic projections include blue-sky forecasts for State of Illinois personal income tax revenues, even though the current numbers strongly indicate that caution is warranted.
The Dark Side of the Sham Grocery Tax “Elimination”
The devil is in the details.
Families need real tax relief. To make the grocery tax elimination work, we must make necessary cuts at the state level to reimburse local governments that are already struggling to fund vital local services such as fire and police, water, and infrastructure improvements. That didn’t happen in this year’s budget. We’ll be pushing for it again next spring.
Supporting Meals on Wheels
Seniors and those in need in Illinois scored a big win with the passage of Senate Bill 3476 last month. This legislation creates a sales tax exemption for home-delivered meals, such as Meals on Wheels providers, when payment is made by an intermediary as part of a Medicare or Medicaid program.
The bill helps providers such as Meals on Wheels offer nutritious meals to seniors and those in need at lower costs. Senate Bill 3476 passed both chambers with unanimous support.
Meals on Wheels serves over 2 million seniors annually in communities all across the country. Their network includes over 5,000 independently run programs. Volunteers are always needed, and to find your nearest provider or information on how to volunteer, visit Meals on Wheels America.
Bowhay Institute Fellowship
It’s an honor to participate in a second Midwest leadership program.
Congratulations Jessica!
Congratulations to Miss Illinois 2023, Jessica Tilton from Washington, IL, as she finishes her reign this week! Jessica has been a phenomenal ambassador for the Miss Illinois organization and our communities here in the 105th District.
I was also proud to have her participate in our Emerging Women Leaders conference at the Capitol this spring. She will continue to do great things!
Happy Father’s Day!
Happy Father’s Day Sunday to all of the dads and grandpas in the district!
If you’re an angler, you can celebrate this weekend by fishing for free!