NW Illinois News

As Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed a $46 billion budget, Republicans listed their grievances. Rep. Tom Demmer (R-Dixon) pointed out that the state's revenues are declining as spending is increasing.

"In this year's budget, we find that our spending is growing at about 10% but our revenues ... are declining by perhaps as much as 5%," Demmer said from the House floor on April 9. "Our spending (is) growing by 10%, revenues (are) declining by 10% when we take out these one-time changes."

"Just a year and a half ago, Gov. Pritzker was spending millions to convince Illinois voters to approve his $3.5 billion tax hike — threatening them with draconian cuts or across-the-board tax hikes if they didn't approve," Demmer said, according to the Chicago Tribune. "His tax hike was rejected by the voters, but the governor continues to spend as if voters said yes."

Illinois Republican Party Chairman Don Tracy provided a statement to ABC 20, saying, "Instead of permanent solutions for working families like real tax cuts and reduced spending, Democrats passed temporary election-year gimmicks, a massive increase in spending, and pay raises for politicians. In the face of record inflation and a crushing tax burden, Democrats gave taxpayers a handful of candy and told them to suck it up. They failed to provide real relief to taxpayers and all but guaranteed tax increases when the federal bailout money goes away."

Pritzker had a more optimistic view.

"Just a few years ago, some people said what we've achieved was impossible. But it's true. Our bill backlog is paid off. Our pension liabilities are reduced. Our rainy day fund is recovering, and we are delivering $1.8 billion of direct tax relief to the people we serve," Pritzker said, according to WBEZ Chicago.