State Senator Li Arellano, Jr has released the below statement following the State of the State and State Budget Address:
“Today’s budget proposal highlights ongoing fiscal mismanagement and the troubling financial path our state is on. Since taking office, Governor Pritzker has made history by passing the largest budgets in Illinois’ history.
“At a time when families across our state are tightening their belts to make ends meet, this administration is doubling down on even more spending. More spending means more taxes, and what the Governor failed to mention in his speech—but included in his proposal—is a tax hike on Illinois job creators. These are just more ways to take money out of Illinoisans’ pockets.
“I was encouraged to hear the Governor listening to Republicans in his proposal to rolling back free healthcare for non-citizens. I will be closely monitoring this proposal in making sure this is more than an empty promise, ensuring our state’s taxpayers aren’t left footing the bill for these services.
“In the months ahead, we must focus on real solutions—property tax relief, safer streets, better schools, and meaningful economic growth. We must also address our state’s pension shortfalls without shifting the burden onto local municipalities. Illinois families deserve leaders who respect their paychecks, not politicians who treat them as a blank check for bigger government.”