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They are expected to pass hundreds of bills and pass a new
budget that begins July 1.
Gov. J.B. Pritzker said on Monday at an investors meeting in New
York that the GOP has not supported the budget process.
“We Democrats balanced the budget. We Democrats are the fiscally
responsible party. We’re the ones who got credit upgrades for
the state. Republicans voted against every one of those
budgets,” Pritzker said.
Illinois Senate Minority Leader John Curran, R-Downers Grove,
said his party will vote against budgets that raise taxes on
Illinois businesses.
“Go back to the 2021 budget that Republicans did not support
that the governor is pointing to and that was a budget that
raised significant taxes on business, and has put us behind in
this state in competing with neighboring states throughout this
nation for business,” Curran said.
Republicans have introduced a package of legislation that is
designed to prevent businesses from leaving the state. They
include a reduction in fees and various tax breaks.
In its latest ranking, CNBC placed Illinois as the 40th best
business-friendly state in the country.
In March, Pritzker said the state is taking in more revenue than
expected. He wants to hear from Republicans on the budget and
other issues, including possible tax cuts.
“I’ve had conversations across the aisle, Democrats and
Republicans, about what we should do going forward in budgets if
we see stability in these higher revenues,” Pritzker said.
The spring session wraps up in mid-May.
Kevin Bessler reports on statewide issues in
Illinois for the Center Square. He has over 30 years of
experience in radio news reporting throughout the Midwest.
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