Today, at a Capitol news conference, House Assistant Republican Leader C.D. Davidsmeyer (R-Murrayville) and House Republican Conference Chair Jeff Keicher (R-Sycamore) outlined Illinois House Republicans’ budget priorities as the May 31 deadline for the spring legislative session fast approaches.
Davidsmeyer, who co-chairs the bipartisan Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability (CGFA), pointed out the fiscal pressures facing the state and the negative impact of Illinois’ economy lagging behind our neighboring states. Likewise, the explosion in state spending under Gov. Pritzker has intensified the fiscal pressures on the state.
“Based on revised revenue estimates, the Governor’s proposed FY27 budget is $700 million – $900 million out of balance, and there has been no ‘April Surprise’ to bail out Democrats’ overspending this time,” said Davidsmeyer. “On Governor Pritzker’s watch, state spending has increased by $16 billion, a 40% spending hike. He’s raised taxes and fees 57 times and wants to take even more money out of the pockets of hardworking families this year. Despite spouting off talking points about affordability, the reality is Illinois families cannot afford the Democrats’ ‘Tax, Spend, Repeat’ budget plan. House Republicans are focused on making Illinois a more affordable place to live, work, and raise a family.”
Instead of the prospect of more tax and fee increases, the Republicans said the state needs to focus on fiscal reform and cutting wasteful spending.
“Illinoisans are taxed out, and they want their state government to live within its means,” said Keicher. “That means our starting point has to be a state budget without more tax increases. We must be honest about where our limited resources go. Illinois must prioritize public safety and our most vulnerable citizens, our seniors, our children with disabilities, and our families in crisis.
“Our caucus is focused on delivering a state budget that addresses the real concerns Illinois families face every day: lowering costs, bringing down energy prices, improving public safety, and restoring accountability and ethical leadership in state government. It’s time for Democrats to change course, rein in spending, and produce a responsible budget that lives within our means instead of asking taxpayers to continue footing the bill.”