McHenry Times

The Illinois General Assembly has passed a Fiscal Year 2025 budget, setting a new record for government spending at over $53 billion. This budget, effective from July 1, 2024, marks an increase of nearly $13 billion, or 32%, since Governor Pritzker took office five and a half years ago. No Republicans in the Senate or House supported the spending plan.

Senator Andrew Chesney issued a statement following the vote: “Once again, Governor Pritzker and his majority party have disregarded the significant fiscal challenges facing Illinois families by pushing through a budget that imposes approximately $1 billion in new taxes. These added financial burdens are more than working families can bear, exacerbating their already strained finances. This approach highlights a troubling disconnect between the Democrats’ policies and the everyday realities of Illinoisans who are struggling to make ends meet.”

Chesney further criticized the administration's reliance on increased taxation: “By prioritizing tax increases over sustainable financial solutions, the Pritzker administration shows a clear disregard for the economic well-being of the state’s residents. The Democrats’ continued reliance on increased taxation is not only unsustainable but also detrimental to the long-term financial health of Illinois.”

The surge in government spending is largely attributed to temporary emergency COVID funds and unexpectedly high state revenue. Critics argue that these resources were used to create new programs and increase permanent government spending rather than being managed prudently.

Additionally, there has been controversy surrounding House Bill 3144, which shifts responsibility for grocery tax relief to local governments. Senator Chesney co-sponsored Senate Bill 3725 aimed at eliminating this tax while compensating municipalities with existing government funds from another source. However, HB 3144 allows local boards to impose a grocery tax without referendum requirements.

In other news, Senator Craig Wilcox will host traveling office hours across his district in June. Events are scheduled in Fox Lake and Cary to provide constituents with assistance on issues such as unemployment benefits and professional licensing.

On May 22, a Springfield Circuit judge issued a temporary injunction against Senate Bill 2412—a new election law signed by Governor Pritzker—which critics claim protects incumbents by altering election rules mid-process.

Lastly, amid ongoing controversy with the Illinois Prisoner Review Board (PRB), including recent incidents involving released offenders committing crimes shortly after release, legislation was passed in the Senate aiming to reform PRB operations. House Bill 681 includes reforms suggested by Senate Republicans but failed to be called in the House before adjournment.