Springfield, IL – State Representative Dennis Tipsword (R-Metamora) has issued a statement following the passage of the FY 2026 state budget:
“The more things change, the more they stay the same in Illinois. Democrats have passed another bloated budget that includes $1 billion in targeted tax increases. On top of the tax increases, Democrats rewarded themselves with a huge pay raise and pork projects dedicated to their districts. Other bad legislation passed this week included trampling all over our Second Amendment rights and once again favoring criminals over the rights of law enforcement officers and jeopardizing public safety.
“Spending has increased by 38 percent in the last six years, a path and pattern that is simply unsustainable. The process to pass this year’s budget was again shrouded in secrecy and behind closed doors. The budget and other impactful pieces of legislation were brought forward only hours before adjournment, leaving no time for debate or input and showing zero transparency for the public to weigh in. We should be enacting pro-growth policies and lowering taxes, but instead, Illinois continues going down the wrong path. The majority party’s priorities must change to move this state forward.”