Springfield, IL – State Representative Dennis Tipsword (R-Metamora) has issued a statement following the signing of the FY 2027 state budget by Governor Pritzker:
“Governor Pritzker has once again signed the largest budget in state history. The $55.9 billion budget includes more irresponsible spending and $800 million in new taxes and fees. Democrats promised affordability, but this budget delivers the exact opposite. The budget includes at least $220 million for pork projects, legislator pay raises, and fund sweeps to fill budget holes.
“It is especially frustrating because Democrats are unwilling to address issues related to the SAFE-T Act, despite paying lip service and acknowledging tweaks to the law may be needed earlier this year. There is always plenty of money for whatever pet project they want in the budget, but nothing for substantive public safety changes, even if those changes wouldn’t cost anything. House Republicans have introduced numerous bills to improve provisions in the SAFE-T Act or even repeal it. Our neighborhoods and communities continue to be less safe because of this law, with repeat offenders a major issue and violent acts committed by criminals who should be behind bars. Democrats’ soft-on-crime policies continue to put innocent lives in danger, including those who work in law enforcement. Illinois families deserve better from their state government, and our priorities must change.”
Rep. Dennis Tipsword serves Illinois House District 105. For more information, contact Rep. Tipsword’s District Office in Pontiac at 815-844-9344, or visit his website at reptipsword.com.