SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – A number of local lawmakers issued statements either on social media or to reporters following Governor JB Pritzker’s budget address Wednesday. Here’s a sampling of what lawmakers had to say.
“House Democrats are focused on developing a responsible and compassionate budget that uplifts our most vulnerable, invests in our future, and reflects the concerns facing families across Illinois. In recent years, we have taken significant steps forward to stabilize and strengthen Illinois’ finances – restoring Illinois to A-level credit, eliminating debt, and better positioning the state to handle future challenges. We’ve done all this while also investing in our schools, and caring for residents from children to the elderly. This budget will be another opportunity to continue this positive momentum, while further supporting job creation and economic development. Today is the first step in a longer process as we work toward crafting a final document. We look forward to reviewing Governor Pritzker’s priorities in detail and engaging stakeholders in the conversations ahead.” – State Rep. Jehan Gordon Booth, Illinois House budget negotiator (D-Peoria)
“While there are areas of common agreement within the Governor’s budget proposal, I am deeply concerned with his continued prioritization of funding noncitizen programs at the expense of Illinois families. This proposal will raise taxes on Illinoisans by more than a billion dollars, roughly the same amount of money he wants to spend on noncitizen programs. Far too many Illinoisans are currently struggling to afford necessities, including groceries and prescriptions. It is completely unacceptable for the Governor to ask those very Illinoisans to foot the bill for the ongoing migrant crisis that the Governor’s policies helped create.” – State Sen. Sally Turner, (R-Beason)
“There are many investments in this proposed budget that I believe would be of a tremendous service to our communities in Peoria and the Bloomington-Normal area. The continuation in our commitment to workforce training and higher education reflects the qualities that make our area a great place to live, learn and work. The proposed increases to higher education continues our investment in our students and sends a message to families that we are fighting for the community colleges and universities in our backyard. People from all over the state come to our district to enroll in our schools. This proposal continues to reinforce the opportunities that our local universities and community colleges present in downstate Illinois. Families across Peoria and Bloomington-Normal deserve a budget with sound judgement. We have taken great strides to make our state fiscally responsible, including nine credit upgrades and $2 billion saved in our rainy day fund. I look forward working with my colleagues to present our own budget that will continue this effort.” – State Sen. Dave Koehler (D-Peoria)
“While the Governor tried to paint a pretty picture today regarding his budget proposal, reality reveals a far different story. The Governor’s budget makes it clear that the citizens of our state are not his true priority. In fact, the Governor wants to raise taxes on Illinois citizens by more than a billion dollars in order to fund his true priority – noncitizens. While Illinois families continue to struggle, the Governor proposes the largest budget in state history and expects them to foot the bill. The citizens of our state shouldn’t be the Governor’s piggy bank to pay for his radical noncitizen welfare agenda.” – State Sen. Win Stoller (R-Germantown Hills)
“Step-by-step crafting of a fiscally responsible budget that prioritizes more robust higher education, affordable healthcare, vital infrastructure spending and jobs creation initiatives, is the clearest route to a stronger future for Illinois. We now have a framework to create a budget that does just that. I am excited to once again join my colleagues to guarantee taxpayer dollars go to work for all Illinoisans.” – State Rep. Sharon Chung (D-Bloomington)
“Once again, the Governor proposed a state budget that does not match the priorities of the people of Illinois. He continues to prove that his priorities are misplaced. He is planning to increase taxes by more than a billion dollars to pay for the migrant crisis he created. This means people may end up paying more money for the same things, get paid less money for the same work, or both. Illinois taxpayers deserve an open and transparent process that prioritizes spending where it is needed most and shows discipline with their money. My focus will remain on the citizens of this state.” – State Sen. Tom Bennett (R-Gibson City)
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