Rockford Sun

As Illinois lawmakers move forward with a historically large state budget, Assistant House Minority Leader and State Representative John M. Cabello (R-Machesney Park) has voiced strong opposition to what he sees as misguided priorities and failed leadership from Springfield.

Cabello criticized the Democrat's FY2026 Budget, which totals $55.2 billion in spending. He expressed concerns over allocations for projects he described as "Democrat sponsored pork projects," pay raises for lawmakers, and support for sanctuary state policies, which he believes disregard public safety.

“This budget doesn’t reflect Illinois values—it reflects bad governance,” said Rep. Cabello. “Every dollar spent on enabling Illinois’ financial crisis is a dollar taken away from the law-abiding Illinoisans who pay their taxes, play by the rules, and now feel abandoned by their government.”

The FY2026 budget includes significant taxpayer-funded benefits for undocumented migrants, covering areas such as housing, health care, and transportation. Cabello highlighted the strain this places on families, small businesses, job creators, and law enforcement across the state.

“Taxpayers are being told to do more with less,” added Rep. Cabello. “Meanwhile, the same party that is failing to keep Illinois fiscally sound wants to double down on the same failures that haven’t been working. That’s not good leadership—that’s negligence.”

He also pointed out broken promises regarding property tax relief in the budget, emphasizing its lack of meaningful relief for struggling families.

“Illinois families are begging for property tax relief, and instead of delivering, Democrats are putting relief programs on pause — while continuing to fund projects in their own districts. It’s time to prioritize the taxpayer.”

Cabello asserted that Illinois residents deserve a government focused on safety, financial stability, and quality of life. He vowed that Republicans would continue fighting for responsible spending practices that put taxpayers first.

For further details or inquiries about his stance or actions regarding this issue, Representative Cabello can be contacted at 815-621-2196.

John M. Cabello serves as Assistant Minority Leader and State Representative for Illinois’ 90th House District, representing communities in Winnebago, Stephenson, and Boone counties including Rockford and Machesney Park among others.