Following Governor JB Pritzker’s budget address on Wednesday, State Senator Don DeWitte (R-St. Charles) issued the following statement:
“Governor Pritzker’s budget proposal once again attempts to shift blame for Illinois’ financial challenges onto the Trump Administration, but the facts tell a different story. Since Governor Pritzker took office, state spending has increased by nearly 40 percent. Illinois’ affordability crisis is not the result of federal policy. It is the direct result of state-level decisions made in Springfield over the last seven years.
“Year after year, Illinois families have been hit with higher taxes, higher fees, and higher costs driven by growing state spending, costly mandates on local governments, and policies that make it harder for employers and jobs to stay in Illinois. When Springfield spends more, taxpayers pay more. When the state shifts costs to schools and communities, property taxes rise. And when more revenue is consumed by pension debt, pressure builds for still more taxes.
“Too many Illinois families feel like they are falling further behind. Groceries cost more, energy costs more, and property taxes keep rising. All while their state government keeps growing. Governor Pritzker cannot blame Washington for problems that stem from decisions made right here in Illinois. Until state leaders change course by prioritizing responsible spending, economic growth, and real tax relief, affordability will remain out of reach for Illinois families.”