Wednesday, May 29, 2024

In dead of night, Illinois House approves largest spending plan in state history

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.

State Rep. Jehan Gordon-Booth carried the plan for the House.

State Rep. C.D. Davidsmeyer, R-Murrayville, said Democrats are not spending wisely.

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.

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.

Gordon-Booth acknowledged the fiscal headwinds the state faces with decreased revenue growth, but defended the plan. 

https://www.thecentersquare.com/illinois/article_b351ecf8-1d61-11ef-8f9b-43b0669fd95c.html

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