Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker has introduced a $56 billion spending plan for the upcoming fiscal year, drawing concerns from some state legislators over increased spending and its potential impact on vulnerable populations.
Senator Craig Wilcox of the 32nd District responded to the proposal by expressing worries about tying education funding to tax or fee increases and insufficient support for services aimed at residents with intellectual and developmental disabilities. He noted, “I hear regularly from families and small business owners who are concerned about the rising cost of living, property taxes, and the state’s long-term economic competitiveness.” Wilcox also pointed out that since Governor Pritzker took office in 2019, state spending has risen nearly 40%. He called for careful consideration to ensure that expenditures align with recurring revenues.
As budget discussions continue, Wilcox emphasized the need for bipartisan cooperation. “Illinois residents expect collaboration, fiscal responsibility, and practical solutions,” he said. “I am confident we can deliver a balanced budget that reflects those shared values.”
Following Governor Pritzker’s address, Senator Wilcox released a statement: “Today’s budget address from Governor Pritzker once again highlighted his tendency to deflect responsibility for Illinois’ fiscal challenges. Blaming President Trump does nothing to address the real issues facing our state. Illinois’ financial struggles are the result of decades of costly, short-sighted policies that have driven up taxes, pushed businesses to leave, and saddled the state with massive unfunded pension liabilities. Those policies did not come from Washington. They came from right here in Illinois.
“The Governor highlighted recent credit upgrades but failed to acknowledge that Illinois still ranks last in credit rating among all 50 states. Years of structurally unbalanced budgets, growing pension debt, and a complete lack of fiscal discipline have left the state in this precarious position. Alarmingly, his remarks offered no concrete plan to address these longstanding issues.
“Illinois’ economic growth has lagged behind other states. Employment growth is weak, our GDP trails the national average, and repeated cuts to local funding have put communities at risk. If Illinois were performing even at average levels, our financial position would be far stronger today.
“Illinois can be more affordable, and Illinois can be stronger. But that will require leadership willing to control spending and stop passing policies that do more harm than good. The citizens of Illinois deserve real solutions, not blame-shifting.”
In other developments affecting his district:
Wilcox commented on efforts to keep the Chicago Bears football team in Illinois amid stadium negotiations involving Arlington Heights and competing proposals from Indiana officials in Hammond. He stated: “Keeping the Bears in Illinois is the right outcome for our economy and our identity.” However, he stressed any agreement should be transparent and fiscally responsible.
Wilcox recently delivered thousands of Valentine’s Day cards collected through his Valentines for Seniors Card Collection Program across his district’s senior communities as part of an effort recognizing seniors’ contributions.
He also announced support for Senate Bill 3619—an initiative backed by the Small Business Advocacy Council—which proposes a new tax credit for small businesses offering Health Reimbursement Arrangements (HRAs) as an option to help manage employee health care costs.
Additionally, Wilcox reminded constituents about an ongoing food drive benefiting Spring Grove Food Pantry and Northern Illinois Helping Hands Food Pantry due by February 27 due to low supplies reported by both organizations.
This spring he is collaborating with the Illinois Art Education Association on an art contest open to third through fifth grade students in his district celebrating America’s 250th birthday; selected artwork will be submitted digitally using various media formats.
Wilcox was elected as a Republican representative for Illinois’ 32nd Senate District in 2018 after replacing Pamela Althoff.
