Senate Republicans to Pritzker: Balance Illinois’ Budget Without Tax Hikes on Illinois Families
As Illinois braces for a projected budget deficit of more than $3 billion, Senate Republicans are calling on Governor J.B. Pritzker to commit to balancing the budget without raising taxes on Illinois citizens and businesses.
A recent report from the Governor’s Office of Management and Budget (GOMB) estimates a $3.16 billion shortfall for the upcoming fiscal year, raising concerns about how the Governor plans to close the budget gap he created.
Since taking office, Governor Pritzker has expanded state spending by more than 30 percent, reaching a record $53 billion in the last fiscal year. Senate Republicans have long criticized the Governor for this dramatic increase in state spending, arguing that he has turned temporary federal aid into long-term financial commitments for the state.
News of this deficit comes just months after Pritzker and his legislative allies raised taxes by nearly $1 billion to fund a budget that included more than $1 billion in healthcare and other benefits for non-citizens.
A recent Chicago Tribune article highlighted the issue and the GOP Senators’ demand for no new tax hikes: –With state facing $3B deficit, GOP senators call on Gov. JB Pritzker to promise no tax hikes.- Senator Bennett emphasized that Illinoisans across the state have made their position clear—they’re struggling to make ends meet and cannot afford to cover the cost of Governor Pritzker’s budget crisis. Instead of focusing on personal political ambitions, the Governor should prioritize the real challenges facing Illinois families and work to restore financial stability in the state.
Federal Court Ruling Finds Illinois’ Assault Weapons Ban Unconstitutional
A federal judge in East St. Louis recently ruled that the state’s assault weapons ban is unconstitutional.
In 2023, Illinois enacted a ban on the sale and possession of certain semi-automatic firearms and high-capacity magazines. The legislation faced immediate legal challenges, with gun owners and gun rights advocacy groups arguing it infringed on constitutional rights. On November 8, Judge Stephen P. McGlynn ruled the state’s ban unconstitutional, granting an injunction to plaintiffs.
The judge stayed the injunction for 30 days, and Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul filed an appeal that same night.
Senator Bennett expressed hope that, rather than restricting rights, this ruling will refocus efforts on tackling the root causes of violence, emphasizing stricter enforcement against illegal gun possession and enhanced mental health support. Click here to access the official injunction ruling.
Veto Session Begins
Lawmakers convened in Springfield for the start of the fall Veto Session on November 12.
The first week of the Veto Session concluded without substantial floor action. However, Senate Republicans did come together to hold a press conference calling on Governor Pritzker to commit to not raising taxes to cover a looming $3.16 billion budget deficit.
Senate lawmakers also came together to recognize veterans as part of their annual Veterans Day recognition floor tribute. Meanwhile, members of the Senate Executive Committee met to discuss a bill to ban carbon sequestration injections near sole-source aquifers. Senate Bill 3968, which would have banned the controversial practice, was held in the Committee without a vote. More study is needed. Next week, state legislators will gather once more at the state Capitol for the last three scheduled days of the Veto Session beginning November 19.
The Veterans Memorial Display has returned to the Illinois State Capitol and is now open for visitors
Hosted by the Illinois Senate Republican Caucus, this annual tribute honors the service and sacrifice of veterans with an exhibit running from November 11 through November 25. The display is located in the south hall on the first floor of the Capitol building.
The memorial includes a large electronic display featuring veterans’ photos and stories, alongside a message wall where visitors can leave notes of gratitude. This meaningful tribute offers the public a chance to pay their respects and reflect on the bravery of Illinois veterans. The public can also view the tributes showcased on the Display online.
How much do we owe? As of the time of this writing, the State of Illinois owes $1,394,329,371.81 to state vendors, including 17,337 pending vouchers. This figure represents the amount of bills submitted to the office of the Comptroller and still awaiting payment. It does not include debts that can only be estimated, such as our unfunded pension liability which is subject to a wide range of factors and has been estimated to be more than $139 billion. At the same time last year, the state’s accounts payable stood at a little less than $2 billion.
This Week in the 53rd District
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