Rockford Sun

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Dave Syverson (R-Cherry Valley) has expressed strong opposition to Governor JB Pritzker's proposed state budget, which includes nearly $1 billion in tax increases. According to Syverson, government spending has surged by 32 percent since Pritzker assumed office.

The Senate approved the Fiscal Year 2025 budget on May 26 with a 38-21 vote. The approval saw no support from Republican senators, who cited concerns over what they deemed misplaced priorities. The budget now advances to the House of Representatives for further consideration.

“Gov. Pritzker has once again chosen big government instead of helping overtaxed, struggling working families. He has forced through a record-breaking $53 billion budget that provides billions in benefits for noncitizens,” Sen. Syverson stated. “We have said time and again that Pritzker’s open door sanctuary policy would lead to unchecked spending that would result in tax increases. And here we are."

Syverson further criticized the allocation of funds, noting, "In addition to providing free top-level healthcare to undocumented immigrants, Illinois is covering the cost of children’s healthcare, housing, cash assistance, daycare, education, and other social service programs. That does not include the hundreds of millions it is costing local property taxpayers.”

Syverson emphasized the potential long-term risks posed by sustained high levels of government spending: “No state or country has ever taxed its way into prosperity. When talking about the new tax increases, all we hear from the left is that they just want people to pay their fair share," he said. "Why are working families considered greedy for not wanting to give up more, yet Government is not greedy for wanting to take more? Government needs to live within its means like working families do.”

Despite efforts this spring to collaborate with Democratic leaders on a responsible budget plan, Syverson indicated these attempts were unsuccessful. Nonetheless, he affirmed that he and his Republican colleagues in the Senate will continue advocating for business and governmental reforms aimed at bolstering Illinois’ economy and job market.

The Fiscal Year 2025 spans from July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2025.