Rockford Sun

State Senator Dave Syverson has expressed concern following Governor JB Pritzker's approval of a $55 billion budget, marking the largest in Illinois history. Syverson, a Republican from Cherry Valley, criticized the significant increase in state spending under Pritzker's administration.

“In just six years, Governor Pritzker has grown state spending by nearly 40 percent,” Syverson stated. He questioned whether Illinois families have seen similar income growth and argued that they are unfairly burdened by what he describes as Democratic leadership failures.

Governor Pritzker claims to have passed his seventh balanced budget, but Syverson disputes this assertion. “I’m sorry but who couldn’t balance a budget if done with billions in new tax and fee increases on working families and small businesses over the last two years,” he remarked. He emphasized the importance of balancing budgets without relying on increased taxes or fees.

Syverson also accused the Governor and his Democratic allies of deflecting responsibility for financial decisions onto former President Trump. “They’re claiming this is somehow President Trump’s fault,” said Syverson. He highlighted several policy decisions made at the state level, including increased spending and new taxes, which he argues cannot be attributed to Trump.

The senator noted that the recent budget includes nearly $1 billion in additional spending and mentioned efforts by Democrats to introduce various tax hikes affecting working families and small businesses. Among these proposals was a $1.50 delivery tax.

“Republicans stood firm and stopped these taxes—for now,” Syverson asserted, warning that such proposals could resurface in future legislative sessions. He described these measures as detrimental to everyday necessities for families.

“This isn’t relief, it’s a cash grab,” added Syverson, pledging to oppose excessive budgets while advocating for responsible fiscal policies that prioritize Illinois families.