Carbondale Reporter

Governor Signs Record Spending Budget with Billion-Dollar Tax Hike

Governor J.B. Pritzker’s government spending plan, which relies on $1 billion in tax increases, officially became the largest budget in state history when he signed it into law on June 5. Despite bipartisan opposition, the controversial budget sets a new high-water mark for government spending, surpassing $53 billion. This total represents a surge of almost $13 billion, or 32%, since Pritzker took office.

This significant increase in government spending during Pritzker’s tenure has been fueled by one-time COVID relief funds and unexpectedly high state revenues. Despite warnings from Senate Republican lawmakers to exercise caution with these temporary funds, Pritzker and his allies in the legislature created new programs and permanently increased government spending.

Now that the federal money has run out, the Governor is raising taxes by almost $1 billion to fill the gap and fund around $1 billion in yearly spending on programs for non-citizens, including top-tier healthcare.

While non-citizen spending continues to rise, the new budget falls short for members of the developmentally disabled community, K-12 and college students, and taxpayers who bear the brunt of the costs. State Senator Terri Bryant argued that "a budget is a statement of priorities," adding that while "the Governor’s FY25 budget is the largest in state history," it clearly doesn’t prioritize the people of Illinois.

Controversial Election Law Ruled Unconstitutional

A controversial new law that would drastically change the state’s election laws in the middle of the current election cycle was ruled unconstitutional by a Sangamon County judge on June 5. Senate Bill 2412, signed into law by Governor Pritzker in May, would have made significant changes to an ongoing election process. Most notably, it would have ended the slating process currently taking place in districts throughout the state, effectively sidelining potential challengers to entrenched incumbents in November.

Republican lawmakers opposed the legislation when it came before the General Assembly in May. They argued that it was "a blatant power grab by Illinois Democrats intended to prioritize their control over the electoral process at the expense of Illinoisans’ rights to fair and open elections."

Lawmakers Call Out State Treasurer for Politicized Investing

Senate Republican lawmakers claim that nearly $60 billion in state investments are being politicized by the State Treasurer’s Office. Senator Bryant stated that "it’s the Treasurer’s duty to protect" these investments and implement savings programs beneficial for Illinois residents' futures. Concerns have arisen about whether political agendas are being prioritized over fiduciary responsibilities.

State Senator Win Stoller proposed Senate Resolution 1003 amid questions about ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) investment philosophy promoted by Treasurer Michael Frerichs. ESG has become controversial due to its political nature; many major investment firms have abandoned this approach to focus on maximizing returns.

IDOT Launches Click It or Ticket Campaign

The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) and Illinois State Police are participating in National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s “Click It or Ticket” campaign. This initiative aims to crack down on seat belt violations and impaired driving during summer months marked by increased traffic fatalities between Memorial Day and Labor Day.

Officials emphasize seat belt usage as crucial for preventing road fatalities. Senate Republicans encourage all motorists and passengers to buckle up for safe travels this summer. More information can be found at www.buckleupillinois.org.