Pritzker Budget is Not Fiscally Sound
Governor Pritzker presented his new state budget proposal to the General Assembly this week and I’m very disappointed that the plan again fails to enact the fiscal responsibility and real budget reforms needed to deliver for Illinois families and businesses.
This budget plan is not fiscally sound. Expenses grow at a faster rate than our revenues. We can’t do this in our homes, and we shouldn’t do it in government. With growing deficits and declining revenues, Governor Pritzker again has proposed the largest budget in state history – $55.2 billion! That’s a nearly 4% increase over last year’s enacted budget, and yet funding will be cut for core priorities, including $171 million taken from road construction and repair.
Meanwhile, our state is facing a deficit of at least $425 million for the new fiscal year based on existing revenue and the governor’s plan. Rather than budgeting based on reliable revenue estimates, the governor proposed $590 million in new taxes, transfers, and other budget gimmicks in an attempt to sustain out-of-control spending.
One positive note: I am pleased to see leaders in the state have recognized the condition of the Jacksonville Developmental Center and included the facility in the Surplus to Success program. That has been a very long time coming.
But I must ask how many more years will the majority party take us down the same failed road before they admit that we will never tax and spend our way into prosperity? I want to work with all members of the House this spring on a plan that makes Illinois more affordable for our families and businesses, shrinks the size of government, and makes our state a more desirable place to live and locate a business.
Push to Ban Cellphones in Illinois Classrooms
Many states are moving to ban or sharply restrict the use of cellphones by students in classrooms. More than twelve states have statewide policies that ban, or severely restrict, cellphone use in classrooms.
Illinois has been slow to act on a statewide school cellphone ban. Some Illinois school districts have already taken action locally to ban or restrict cellphones in classrooms. Now, faced with evidence of the growing effects of cellphone culture on young people, the General Assembly will likely debate this issue this spring. Other neighboring states, such as Iowa, have already begun moving in this direction.
Still Need a REAL ID? What to Know About the Upcoming Requirements in Illinois
The wait for the long-delayed REAL ID plan may finally come to an end soon.
In May, the federal Department of Homeland Security will require that people have a REAL ID in order to access federal facilities – think military bases – and fly on domestic commercial aircraft. REAL ID is set to go into effect fully on May 7, 2025, unless there is another delay.
For Illinois, REAL IDs look similar to that of a regular, standard Illinois driver’s license, but with one key difference – a gold star in the upper right denoting the special nature of the ID.
How Do You Get a REAL ID?
You can go to the nearest Illinois Secretary of State’s facility. You will be required to have proof of identity, such as a birth certificate or passport, proof of your Social Security number, two residency documents – such as a utility bill or rental statement – and proof of a signature.
What’s the Coolest Thing Made in Illinois?
Makers Madness is back! Nominations are now being accepted to find the Coolest Thing Made in Illinois.
Last year Craig Industries in Quincy made it into the final round of Makers Madness voting. Good luck this year to all our outstanding local producers!