Here’s what some of our legislative members are saying:
Deputy Republican Leader Norine Hammond (Macomb)
“Today we saw Governor Pritzker introduce the largest budget proposal in state history. The Governor’s FY25 proposed budget spends $52.7 billion, which is a $2.3 billion increase over the FY24 enacted budget – a 4.5% increase.
The Governor’s budget plan includes over $1 billion in additional revenue, raising taxes on Illinois families and businesses while providing minimal tax relief. Instead of proposing any substantive cuts to address the projected $775 million deficit, the Governor is asking taxpayers to again foot the bill so that he can cater to his core constituencies.
Governor Pritzker’s record-high budget does not reflect the shared priorities of Illinois families."
Assistant Republican Leader Amy Elik (Alton)
"...Now that Governor Pritzker presented his budget proposal to lawmakers, it’s time for the House and Senate to work together on a budget that reflects the priorities of the taxpayers we represent. I want to see us reach an agreement this year on a budget that is balanced without any tax hikes, eliminates Cadillac health benefits for non-citizens, and provides tax relief for families.”
State Representative Paul Jacobs (Pomona)
“The Budget Address marks the beginning of negotiations for the budget, which is generally the biggest item taken up by the legislature. I have to say I am deeply concerned with the priorities that were expressed by Governor Pritzker today.”
State Representative Tom Weber (Lake Villa)
When the Governor took office a few years ago, the state budget was just over $39 billion. Today, he proposed a $52.7 billion budget, the largest in state history, that spends $2.29 billion more than last year. But, as my Republican colleagues and I have been warning, he doesn’t have federal COVID relief dollars to keep funding pet projects for the never-ending spending appetite that he and his progressive allies possess. So now he wants to increase taxes by a billion dollars on families and job creators to fund his progressive initiatives.”
Deputy House Republican Leader Ryan Spain (Peoria)
“For a Governor who is perpetually trying to sell himself as a friend of business development and job creation, the budget he proposed today runs completely contrary to that notion. Instead of focusing on his future presidential ambitions and competing with California for the title of most progressive state in the nation, I wish we could get serious about growing Illinois’ economy.”
State Representative Dave Severin (Benton)
“Illinoisans are struggling under the weight of high taxes and the high cost of living. Prioritizing spending billions of dollars on illegal immigrants that are here because of our state’s sanctuary state and sanctuary city policies is wrong. Between last year, this year, and the proposal for the coming year, Illinois taxpayers will foot the bill for $2 billion in spending on illegal immigrants. Our citizens are not able to afford any more of this.”
House Republican Floor Leader State Representative Patrick Windhorst (Metropolis)
“Inflation has come down from record highs, but it is still too high. Energy prices are too high. Taxes are too high. Our working families and individuals are paying the second-highest property taxes in the country. Our businesses are paying the 3rd highest corporate taxes in the country. People are tapped out.
Assistant Republican Leader Amy Elik (Alton)
"...Now that Governor Pritzker presented his budget proposal to lawmakers, it’s time for the House and Senate to work together on a budget that reflects the priorities of the taxpayers we represent. I want to see us reach an agreement this year on a budget that is balanced without any tax hikes, eliminates Cadillac health benefits for non-citizens, and provides tax relief for families.”
State Representative Paul Jacobs (Pomona)
“The Budget Address marks the beginning of negotiations for the budget, which is generally the biggest item taken up by the legislature. I have to say I am deeply concerned with the priorities that were expressed by Governor Pritzker today.”
State Representative Tom Weber (Lake Villa)
When the Governor took office a few years ago, the state budget was just over $39 billion. Today, he proposed a $52.7 billion budget, the largest in state history, that spends $2.29 billion more than last year. But, as my Republican colleagues and I have been warning, he doesn’t have federal COVID relief dollars to keep funding pet projects for the never-ending spending appetite that he and his progressive allies possess. So now he wants to increase taxes by a billion dollars on families and job creators to fund his progressive initiatives.”
Deputy House Republican Leader Ryan Spain (Peoria)
“For a Governor who is perpetually trying to sell himself as a friend of business development and job creation, the budget he proposed today runs completely contrary to that notion. Instead of focusing on his future presidential ambitions and competing with California for the title of most progressive state in the nation, I wish we could get serious about growing Illinois’ economy.”
State Representative Dave Severin (Benton)
“Illinoisans are struggling under the weight of high taxes and the high cost of living. Prioritizing spending billions of dollars on illegal immigrants that are here because of our state’s sanctuary state and sanctuary city policies is wrong. Between last year, this year, and the proposal for the coming year, Illinois taxpayers will foot the bill for $2 billion in spending on illegal immigrants. Our citizens are not able to afford any more of this.”
House Republican Floor Leader State Representative Patrick Windhorst (Metropolis)
“Inflation has come down from record highs, but it is still too high. Energy prices are too high. Taxes are too high. Our working families and individuals are paying the second-highest property taxes in the country. Our businesses are paying the 3rd highest corporate taxes in the country. People are tapped out.
I favor a budget that trims spending, provides permanent tax relief on groceries, medicine, gas, and school supplies, and prioritizes the care of Illinois citizens over spending billions on undocumented immigrants. I will continue to call for these changes as budget negotiations continue throughout the remainder of the legislative Session.”