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Earlier this month, the Governor’s Office of Management and
Budget released a five-year projection that shows the state
spending $63 billion by 2030, creating an annual $5 billion
deficit. In 2020, the state budget was just $40 billion.
The projected deficits are despite tax increases passed during
the spring legislative session which were projected to increase
tax revenues by about $800 million annually.
Last week, Gov. J.B. Pritzker said he doesn’t agree with the
projections.
“It’s been wrong every year you might say and we’ve defeated it
every year,” said Pritzker. “I think we are going to submit a
budget to the General Assembly in February like I have every
year for the past six years and it will be balanced.”
The management and budget office’s report shows projected
spending increases on healthcare, education and government
services. Revenues are also expected to slow down as the Federal
Reserve lowers interest rates, thus negatively impacting the
state’s investment income.
During a news conference Tuesday, state Sen. Sally Turner, R-Beason,
said the governor and his allies are out of touch as they spend
billions on non-citizen programs.
“Not only do our citizens have to pay for their own health care,
they also have to pay taxes to give free health care to people
who are here illegally, people who have been invited to come
here with his sanctuary policies,” said Turner.
Some of the recommendations the office of management and budget
provided include implementing spending controls, and investing
in education and economic development.
State Sen. Chapin Rose, R-Mahomet, said Pritzker needs to stop
running around the country campaigning for president and take
care of matters here at home.
“People are tapped out, Gov. Pritzker, they don’t have more to
give,” said Rose. “So whatever you do this budget year, it needs
to be done without increasing taxes on the working people of
Illinois.” |
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