Carbondale Reporter

After voters in Illinois rejected Gov. J.B. Pritzker's graduated state income tax, he still argued that his so-called "Fair Tax" would have generated billions annually. 

“With the 'Fair Tax' being defeated by the Republicans and the billionaires, the fact is, as I have said, we’re going to have to make drastic really painful cuts,” Pritzker told KFVS 12. 

He had predicted the tax would bring in $3 billion each year to the state by increasing the taxes of the wealthiest in the state. But newly elected state Sen. Terri Bryant said Pritzker should be focusing on balancing the state budget. 

“Our budget has to be cut," she said. "We cannot spend $42 billion, when we know that our revenue is $38 (billion), give or take. That’s number one, let’s work through that first." 

Pritzker has also said the Federal Reserve may be helping the state with the budget cuts. 

“On top of that. The failure in revenue from COVID and so (the Municipal Liquidity Fund) will no doubt have to be part of the solution," he said. 

Bryant made it clear she didn't believe the federal government would be helping Illinois out with its budget holes. 

“That budget was passed on the assumption the progressive income tax would pass and the federal government would bail us out," she said. "There’s no federal bailout coming."  

But Pritzker did say there needs to be revisions to the budget . 

“We need to make other structural changes I’ve asked the leaders to step up and I mean both parties," Pritzker said. 

Since Pritzker admits revisions are needed, Bryant suggests the governor start there by holding a meeting with elected officials. 

“Be a leader, Gov. Pritzker. Be a leader and come and work with the people of Illinois," Bryant said.