Sangamon Sun

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 an increase 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.

Senator Bennett argued that a budget is a statement of priorities: “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 and reduce competition at the ballot box was ruled unconstitutional by a Sangamon County judge on June 5. Senate Bill 2412, signed into law by Governor Pritzker in May, would make significant changes to election rules already underway. 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 this 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.

IDOT Launches Click It or Ticket Campaign

The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) and Illinois State Police are participating in the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s “Click It or Ticket” campaign. This initiative urges drivers to buckle up and be safe on roadways.

The annual campaign aims to crack down on seat belt violations and impaired driving. Highlighting seat belt usage's importance in preventing road fatalities, officials urge vigilance during "100 deadly days of summer," marked by increased traffic fatalities between Memorial Day and Labor Day. With a focus on saving lives, Senate Republicans encourage all motorists and passengers to buckle up for safe travels this summer. Visit www.buckleupillinois.org for more information.

State Debt Update

As of now, Illinois owes $812 million to state vendors with 12,799 pending vouchers awaiting payment. This figure represents bills submitted to the Comptroller's office still unpaid but does not include debts like unfunded pension liabilities estimated at over $139 billion. At this time last year, accounts payable stood at nearly $2 billion.

Did You Know?

June 10th is National Iced Tea Day—one of Senator Bennett’s favorite drinks on hot summer days. Here are five fun facts about iced tea:

1. The oldest known recipe for sweet iced tea was published in 1879.

2. The famous “Long Island Iced Tea” drink doesn’t contain any tea.

3. “Texas tea” refers to oil in Beverly Hillbilly’s TV series theme song.

4. Prohibition helped popularize iced tea.

5. Arizona hasn’t changed its iced tea price in nearly 20 years.

Flag Day is Friday, June 14th

This Week in the 53rd District