Rockford Sun

A recent revenue forecast by the Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability (COGFA) reveals a significant shortfall in Governor JB Pritzker’s budget plan. The projections indicate a $1.2 billion gap, highlighting potential discrepancies in the Governor's financial planning.

The proposed budget includes $490 million in new revenues, which have yet to receive approval from the Illinois General Assembly. Even with these new revenues, COGFA estimates a remaining shortfall of $740 million compared to figures from the Governor’s Office of Management and Budget. If enacted, this budget would set a new spending record for the state, reflecting a 37% increase since Pritzker took office.

The current fiscal year is already projected to end $525 million short, raising concerns about the alignment of the Governor’s numbers with fiscal realities. State Senator Dave Syverson (R-Cherry Valley) emphasized the need for a more responsible budget that addresses challenges without imposing additional tax burdens on residents.

In another development, Illinois officials are pushing for legislative measures to combat the fentanyl crisis. Four bills have been introduced to increase penalties for traffickers and improve public safety.

Senate Bill 280 proposes making fentanyl trafficking a Class X felony with severe penalties. Senate Bill 1569 seeks mandatory prison sentences for related crimes. Senate Bill 113 requires defendants charged with trafficking large amounts of fentanyl to prove they do not pose a threat before pretrial release. Senate Bill 1283 aims to classify fentanyl-related deaths as "fentanyl poisonings" rather than overdoses.

Senate Bills 280 and 1569 are under review by the Senate Criminal Law Clear Compliance Subcommittee, while Bills 113 and 1283 await committee assignments.

Additionally, Illinois residents voted to retain their current state flag design, rejecting redesign proposals despite significant time and resources spent on exploring changes. Of nearly 5,000 submissions, public voting showed strong support for keeping the existing flag over alternative designs.

Senator Syverson criticized the redesign effort as an unnecessary expense amid ongoing budgetary issues and other pressing concerns like financial instability and struggling schools. He viewed it as indicative of misplaced priorities when residents seek solutions to everyday problems.

The original state flag was designed by Lucy Derwent in 1915 and has undergone minimal changes since then.