McHenry Times

On Wednesday, Governor JB Pritzker delivered his annual Budget Address to a joint session of the Senate and House. Following the address, State Senator Craig Wilcox, representing McHenry as a Republican, expressed criticism regarding the budget proposal.

Senator Wilcox stated, “Today we heard a lot of vague promises but not a lot of substance when it comes to filling the billion-dollar budget hole Governor Pritzker and his Democrat allies created. Rather than reducing spending, it appears the Pritzker spending spree will continue."

Governor Pritzker's proposal includes an additional $2 billion in state spending. According to Senator Wilcox, this brings about a 37% increase in state expenditure during Pritzker’s time in office. "At this pace, Illinoisans are on the hook for a $15 billion increase in spending under JB Pritzker," he noted. "It’s simply unaffordable and an insult to struggling taxpayers."

The senator further remarked on the financial burden faced by Illinois residents due to tax hikes and inflation. He said, “Illinois residents are drowning under costs tied to Pritzker tax hikes and inflation, and I was hoping to finally see a budget proposal that reined in spending." However, he criticized the governor for prioritizing political ambitions over practical solutions: "What we saw, unfortunately, was a man who continues to place his own political ambitions ahead of practical solutions that improve lives for Illinoisans.”