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The more than $53 billion plan increases taxes by $750 million
and spends 32% more, or $12.8 billion, than when Gov. J.B.
Pritzker took office in 2019. The measure also spends $400
million more than what Pritzker proposed in February.
Approved by the Senate late in the evening Sunday and by the
House in the early morning hours Wednesday, the plan also pays
$971 million for non-citizen migrant health care, direct
services and welcoming centers.
State Rep. Jehan Gordon-Booth carried the plan for the House.
“This budget is balanced, responsible and fair,” Gordon-Booth
said late Tuesday during a committee hearing.
State Rep. C.D. Davidsmeyer, R-Murrayville, said Democrats are
not spending wisely.
“I have concerns that there are gimmicks in this budget that put
us on a path towards a giant collision in the future and I hope
I don’t have to say, ‘I told you so’ when this happens,” he
said.
Republicans warned that the state is overspending, even when
billions of one-time federal COVID-19 dollars were provided to
the state during the pandemic. Those dollars are now dried up.
Davidsmeyer said while increasing taxes on businesses, the plan
also shifts nearly $1 billion from other state funds to General
Revenue Funds.
“Certainly frustrating as a taxpayer, both as a business owner
and as an individual taxpayer, I don’t believe that you are
being good stewards of the state’s dollars,” he said.
Davidsmeyer noted the budget also gives Democratic legislators
millions of tax dollars for special projects in their districts.
Gordon-Booth acknowledged the fiscal headwinds the state faces
with decreased revenue growth, but defended the plan.
“We are steadfast in our leadership roles in terms of ensuring
that we are managing the fiscal house that we have in front of
us,” she said.
The measure passed the House in the early morning hours
Wednesday and can now be sent to the governor for his approval.
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