Brand New Borrowing To Fuel A Record Budget
I led debate against legislation that gave new, supposedly “routine”, borrowing authority to fuel Illinois’ nearly $56 billion budget. This new borrowing enables, combined with yet more tax hikes, fuels the same failed “borrow-tax-spend” pattern that has made our state less affordable and less competitive.
Governor Pritzker and the Democratic majority approved another record-breaking spending plan that includes more than $800 million in new taxes, fees, and fund sweeps. Like a badly broken record, the answer to every problem in Springfield is spending more money and asking taxpayers to pick up the excess tab.
What they hide is that there is hundreds of millions in “legislative initiative” spending earmarked *only * for Democrats—including ones that voted against the budget–and that unethical spending will be paid for with the new borrowing authority. Our children will have to pay back debt, with interest, on unethical partisan spending that is exclusively going to specific regions picked based on partisan goals!
If borrowing and taxing, all to fuel bigger government spending, was the answer, then Illinois would be leading the nation in economic growth. Instead, taxpayers are paying more and getting less while our economy continues to falter. We clearly cannot tax our way into prosperity.
Illinois families deserve better than partisan debt-fueled budgets, and that’s why I voted no.
🚨Voting Against Democrat’s $56 Billion Budget
Springfield Tried, and Failed, to Give the Bears a Special Deal
As a Bears fan, I want the team to stay in Illinois. As a conservative, I could not support legislation that would have given special property tax treatment to a billion-dollar NFL franchise while hardworking Illinois families continue struggling under some of the highest taxes in the nation. This last-minute bill had a corrupt process that left it impossible to make sure taxpayers were protected.
For years Illinois homeowners, seniors, young families, small business owners, and so many others have pleaded with Governor Pritzker and the Democratic majority for property tax relief. Their requests have been largely met with inaction, including the Bears themselves for many years. Finally, the Bears started looking elsewhere, as many other families and companies have. The media attention of that suddenly forced urgency to act for the Governor to act—producing a rushed, unvetted proposal.
That’s why I voted no when the legislation came before the Senate.
While the proposal ultimately stalled in the House, the debate exposed a troubling reality. Governor Pritzker and legislative Democrats were prepared to provide massive tax relief to a billion-dollar NFL franchise and potentially other mega-projects, but not to the families, seniors, and small businesses also getting crushed by property taxes.
They were even willing to force completely new legislation through the Senate at 4 a.m. while the taxpayers footing the bill were fast asleep. Not even the Bears themselves had seen the proposal or weighed in—which Democrats were forced to admit during floor debate! It was a completely incompetent and unethical process.
Illinois taxpayers deserve better.
🐻BEARS Legislation Update🐻
Join Me for My Legislative Session Recap Tour
The spring legislative session has come to a close, and I want to hear directly from the people I represent while also providing an update on what happened in Springfield.
Over the next several weeks, I’ll be hosting Legislative Session Recap events across the 37th District to discuss some of the biggest issues debated this year, including the state budget, taxes, public safety, energy policy, Bears’ stadium plans and legislation that could impact Illinois families and businesses.
These events are an opportunity for residents to hear directly from me about the successes and missed opportunities of the legislative session. I’ll also share my thoughts on what lies ahead and answer questions from attendees.
Upcoming Legislative Session Recap Events:
- Dixon – Wednesday, June 24 | 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
The Dixon: Historic Theatre, 114 S. Galena Ave. - Geneseo – Tuesday, June 30 | 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Geneseo Public Library, 805 N. Chicago St. - Rochelle – Monday, July 14 | 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Rochelle City Hall, 420 N. 6th St.
Featuring State Representative Bradley Fritts and Rochelle Mayor John Bearrows. - Dunlap – Tuesday, July 22 | 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Wheels O’ Time Museum, 1710 W. Woodlawn Rd. - Sterling – Monday, August 25 | 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Sterling Public Library, 223 3rd Ave. - Port Byron – Sunday, August 31 | 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
River Valley District Library, 101 N. Chicago St.
Featuring State Senator Neil Anderson. - Chillicothe – Monday, September 1 | 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Shore Acres Clubhouse, 100 Park Blvd.
Featuring State Senator Chris Balkema.
One of the most important parts of serving in the Senate is staying connected with the people of the 37th District. I hope you’ll join me for an open conversation about the future of our communities and our state.
All events are free and open to the public.