Carbondale Reporter

State Representative Dave Severin of Benton, Illinois, voted against a proposed $1 billion tax increase intended to fund the $55.2 billion fiscal year 2026 budget. This decision came on the last day of the spring 2025 legislative session. Severin criticized the approach taken by Illinois Democrats regarding their spending plans.

“It’s another year, and another huge tax increase to pay for a ton of pork projects and pay raises for politicians,” Severin stated. He referred to Governor Pritzker's earlier Budget Address where he advised Democrats to balance spending increases with cuts, advice that Severin claims was ignored in favor of raising taxes.

Since Governor Pritzker took office in 2019, state expenditures have increased significantly from $40.3 billion to a budget now $15 billion higher. Severin voiced concerns over increased spending, projects benefiting Democratic districts, and pay raises for politicians.

“The process absolutely stinks to high heaven,” said Severin about how the FY 26 budget was passed. He criticized Democrats for negotiating behind closed doors and passing a lengthy bill in the final hours of the session without sufficient transparency or public involvement.

Severin urged Illinois residents to remember these actions and hold Democrats accountable for what he described as "unethical, non-transparent, and reckless budget practices."