Carbondale Reporter

State Representative Paul Jacobs has voiced his opposition to the recently passed state budget, expressing concerns over its spending priorities. In a statement, Jacobs criticized the budget for favoring illegal immigrants over Illinois citizens and highlighted the absence of a balanced financial plan.

"I could not in good conscience vote for a spending plan that is not balanced and has prioritized illegal immigrants over those citizens of Illinois who should be our first priority," Jacobs stated. He emphasized his commitment to avoiding tax hikes, addressing inefficiencies in state agencies, and fostering economic growth.

Jacobs noted that the Fiscal Year 2026 budget is among the largest in Illinois history, with planned expenditures exceeding $55.2 billion. This figure represents an increase of nearly $2 billion from the previous year. According to Jacobs, under Governor Pritzker's administration, state spending has surged by more than $15 billion over six years.

"This budget raises another $1 billion in taxes on Illinois' working families and job creators," he added. Jacobs stressed the need for fiscal responsibility, stating, "We need to budget within our means. We cannot create new programs without a pathway to pay for them, and we must take a realistic, financially responsible approach!"