Sangamon Sun

I returned to Springfield this week for the final days of the spring legislative session, with anticipation building around the state budget, expected to be the largest in Illinois history. Here's an update on current developments.

As the session nears its end, significant issues remain unresolved. Key concerns include high tax rates affecting residents and taxpayer money being spent on health benefits for illegal immigrants while vulnerable citizens struggle. "Green" energy policies have led to rate hikes and job losses, impacting energy generation capacity in Illinois. Public safety is also a concern due to perceived failures of the SAFE-T Act, which some argue puts communities at risk.

House Republicans are positioning themselves as protectors of taxpayers, vowing not to support any budget that includes tax hikes. They aim to expose what they consider poor policy decisions by the majority party. Governor JB Pritzker and Democrats are preparing a $55.2 billion budget—an increase from last year’s spending—which Republicans criticize as wasteful without structural reforms.

Illinois faces a billion-dollar deficit for FY 26, and Democrats propose tax increases as a solution. The Illinois Revenue Alliance has suggested tax hikes totaling $6 billion to fund various projects and services for illegal immigrants, which critics say could harm the economy and increase living costs.

Republicans call for collaboration with federal authorities on immigration enforcement and oppose sanctuary state policies they claim burden taxpayers.

In other news, Illinois House Republican lawmakers expressed support for gun owners' rights at a Capitol gathering. State Representatives Regan Deering and Patrick Windhorst emphasized their commitment to defending Second Amendment rights amid what they describe as Democratic efforts to impose stricter laws that infringe upon constitutional freedoms.

Rep. Deering stated that anti-Second Amendment policies undermine trust in government: “These anti-second amendment policies were introduced under the guise of safety... House Republicans will not stop defending your 2nd Amendment rights.”

Rep. Windhorst criticized legislation passed by Democrats as harmful to law-abiding citizens' rights: “Laws that go beyond federal firearm restrictions make for a confusing patchwork... we are here today to defend Illinois citizens’ rights.”

On another note, I received recognition from the Illinois Association of Community Action Agencies (IACAA) as Legislator of the Year for my efforts in restoring funding for Meals on Wheels programs after funding was suspended last year.

Jessica Backs from BCMW Community Services praised my leadership: “Meier’s leadership was key in securing the funding needed... He shows us what it means to meet people where they are.”

Around my district activities included speaking at Highland VFW's Memorial Day program and emceeing Nashville's Chamber of Commerce banquet honoring Melanie and Mike Caplinger from Dairy Queen fame.

Thank you for reading Charlie’s Capitol Catch-Up; updates will continue throughout this pivotal week.