McHenry Times

Governor Signs Record Spending Budget with Billion-Dollar Tax Hike

Governor J.B. Pritzker’s government spending plan, which relies on $1 billion in tax increases, officially became the largest budget in state history when he signed it into law on June 5.

Despite bipartisan opposition, the controversial budget sets a new high-water mark for government spending, surpassing $53 billion. This total represents a surge of almost $13 billion, or 32% since Pritzker took office.

This significant increase in government spending during Pritzker’s tenure has been fueled by one-time COVID relief funds and unexpectedly high state revenues. Despite warnings from Senate Republican lawmakers to exercise caution with these temporary funds, Pritzker and his allies in the legislature created new programs and permanently increased government spending.

Now that the federal money has run out, the Governor is raising taxes by almost $1 billion to fill the gap and fund around $1 billion in yearly spending on programs for migrants, including top-tier healthcare.

While non-citizen spending continues to rise, the new budget falls short for members of the developmentally disabled community, K-12 and college students, and taxpayers who bear the brunt of the costs.

A budget is a statement of priorities, and while the Governor’s FY25 budget is the largest in state history, it clearly doesn’t prioritize the people of Illinois.

Upcoming events in the 32nd Senate District

Senator Craig Wilcox announced his first two Traveling Office Hours events of the summer are scheduled for this week in Fox Lake. At these events, he brings services provided by his office to constituents’ hometowns. Both morning and late afternoon/early evening events are offered to fit people’s schedules. Additional traveling office hours will take place next week in Cary.

"My staff members are experts in constituent services," Wilcox stated. "I would encourage anyone who is having issues with state agencies to stop by and receive assistance." Issues addressed include unemployment, FOID cards and CCL licenses, professional licensing, among others. For additional information, contact Wilcox's office at (815) 455-6330.

Additional upcoming outreach events include:

- July 17: I-CASH Unclaimed Property Day, Crystal Lake

- August 3: Youth Fishing Derby, McHenry

- August 17: Legislative Office Open House, Woodstock

- September 19: Barks & Brews Pet Adoption Event, Woodstock

- October 15: Senior Fair, Crystal Lake

As event dates approach, additional information with times and locations will be shared. Visit Senator Wilcox's website Events Page for more details.

Controversial Election Law Ruled Unconstitutional

A controversial new law that would drastically change the state’s election laws was ruled unconstitutional by a Sangamon County judge on June 5.

Senate Bill 2412 was signed into law by Governor Pritzker in May. It aimed to end the slating process currently taking place throughout districts in Illinois but faced opposition from Republican lawmakers who argued it prioritized Democratic control over fair elections.

Lawmakers Call Out State Treasurer for Politicized Investing

Senate Republican lawmakers criticized the State Treasurer’s Office for politicizing nearly $60 billion in state investments through Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) investment philosophy. Questions have been raised about prioritizing political agendas over fiduciary responsibilities leading to Senate Resolution 1003 being filed.

Legislation Allowing Sheriffs to Serve on Local 9-1-1 Boards Passes General Assembly

House Bill 5128 amends the Emergency Telephone System Act to allow sheriffs as eligible members on local 9-1-1 boards. The bill addresses longstanding issues ensuring their expertise impacts emergency response services decision-making processes. The legislation passed on May 16th and now awaits Governor Pritzker's signature.

Governor’s Hometown Awards

The Governor’s Hometown Awards (GHTA) program is accepting applications for projects that impacted local quality of life from January 1 through December 31 of last year. Winning projects will receive a Governor’s Certificate with population division winners competing for the Governor’s Cup this August.

Visit Illinois Department of Human Services website for more information about applying.

IDOT Launches Click It or Ticket Campaign

The Illinois Department of Transportation and Illinois State Police are participating in National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s “Click It or Ticket” campaign urging drivers to buckle up during “100 deadly days of summer.” This initiative focuses on seat belt usage preventing road fatalities between Memorial Day and Labor Day.