Sangamon Sun

With the state budget deadline approaching, State Representative Martin McLaughlin has criticized Governor Pritzker and legislative Democrats for their handling of budget negotiations. McLaughlin accused them of conducting discussions in secrecy, leaving Illinois residents uninformed about how taxpayer money is being allocated.

“Once again, the governor and a small group of insiders are holed up, cutting backroom deals with your hard-earned tax dollars,” said Rep. McLaughlin. “This is not transparency. This is not leadership. This is a slap in the face to every working family trying to make ends meet.”

During a press conference at the capitol, McLaughlin and eight other legislators called for more accountability and transparency in government spending. He highlighted Senate Bill 40, which proposes a $1 billion incentive package for a battery storage company linked to China.

“The same company that Illinois is handing a billion dollars to is getting zero in incentives from Texas and Michigan. So why is Governor Pritzker more concerned with Beijing than with communities like Barrington or Batavia?” McLaughlin asked. “This is about misplaced priorities and a refusal to answer basic questions.”

McLaughlin argued that while Democrats are proposing tax increases and financial incentives for foreign corporations, Illinois families are facing increased taxes on tips, overtime, and new service fees anticipated in the upcoming budget.

“This is not a clean energy plan,” McLaughlin concluded. “It’s a clean sweep of the taxpayers’ wallets. It’s time our state government started treating taxpayers with respect and stopped fueling this spending addiction. Illinois families deserve better.”