Chambana Sun

Illinois Senate Republicans have urged Governor JB Pritzker to ensure transparent accounting of taxpayer spending and to avoid new tax increases in his upcoming budget address. This call was made by Chief Budgeteer Senator Chapin Rose, Illinois Senate Republican Leader Senator John Curran, and Deputy Leader Senator Sue Rezin.

Last year, the Democratic Majority passed a $53.3 billion budget, the largest in state history, which included nearly $1 billion for non-citizen programs and $1.1 billion in tax increases. "The budget is truly the blueprint for our state government operations and policy agenda," said Curran. He expressed concerns that Governor Pritzker's budget exceeds what taxpayers can afford.

Since Governor Pritzker took office, spending has increased by nearly $13 billion or 32 percent. Executive orders and emergency declarations related to Illinois' migrant crisis have allowed the administration to bypass traditional procurement and transparency requirements. "Last year, the governor increased taxes by a billion dollars to pay for a billion dollars in non-citizen spending with few details," said Rezin.

Senate Republicans have requested financial details on taxpayer spending on non-citizen programs but have received no response from the Pritzker Administration. Leader Curran filed Senate Bill 1699 requiring state agencies to report annually on non-citizen spending, but it has not been heard yet.

"The governor hasn’t just grown the state budget – he’s blown it up," said Rose. He criticized the administration's spending practices and emphasized that they are sending a message against new taxes on working people.

The Republicans plan to prioritize funding for education, public safety, seniors, and vulnerable residents while introducing tax reforms such as credits for daycare costs and eliminating certain taxes affecting small businesses.

Governor Pritzker is scheduled to deliver his budget address on February 19.