Rockford Sun

The Illinois General Assembly has passed Governor JB Pritzker’s budget, which includes nearly a billion dollars in new taxes. The budget sets a record for government spending at just over $53 billion, marking an increase of nearly $13 billion, or 32%, since Pritzker took office.

State Senator Dave Syverson (R-Cherry Valley) expressed his opposition to the increased spending and the $1 billion in tax hikes. He noted that the surge in government expenditure was primarily driven by one-time emergency COVID-19 funds and unexpectedly high state revenues. According to Syverson, these resources were used to create new programs and increase permanent government spending, including approximately a billion dollars annually on programs for non-citizens, such as top-tier healthcare.

Senate Republicans have cautioned against using temporary funds for permanent expenditures. They argue that this approach will lead to financial instability. “Instead of reducing government spending and reining in costs, the Governor is raising taxes to fund the migrant crisis he created,” said Syverson. He added that the budget neglects individuals with developmental disabilities, K-12 and college students, along with taxpayers who bear the financial burden.

Syverson warned that utilizing one-time COVID-19 money for base spending this year could result in a multi-billion-dollar budget shortfall next year. He indicated that lawmakers are aware of this impending financial challenge.

In other legislative news, amid ongoing controversy surrounding the Illinois Prisoner Review Board (PRB), including a recent incident where a young boy was murdered by an offender shortly after release, the Senate has passed House Bill 681 to reform the PRB. The bill includes several reforms proposed by Senate Republicans aimed at enhancing protections for victims and improving transparency within the board's operations.

Senator Syverson emphasized the need for urgent reforms: “The PRB urgently needs reforms to improve public safety, prioritize and protect victims.”

Additionally, on May 22, a Springfield Circuit judge issued a temporary injunction blocking Senate Bill 2412—a controversial election law signed by Governor Pritzker on May 3. Critics claim this law aims to protect incumbents and reduce voter choice. The legislation would alter existing election rules mid-process by ending the slating process currently underway in various districts across Illinois.

The temporary injunction followed a lawsuit alleging violations of constitutional voting rights. Republican lawmakers had opposed SB 2412 earlier this month, labeling it as a power grab designed to protect incumbent leaders during elections.

Senator Syverson remains optimistic about ensuring fair elections: “This ruling is a step toward ensuring that citizens can choose their representatives.”