State Government Spending Surges 40% Under Pritzker as Governor Blames Washington
As families continue to struggle, state government spending in Illinois has grown nearly 40 percent in just seven years under Governor JB Pritzker. Despite record tax collections, the Governor continues to expand government spending while trying to shift the blame for the state’s fiscal challenges onto the federal government.
Last week, Pritzker signed an executive order telling agencies to cut up to 4 percent from their budgets while once again blaming Washington for the state’s fiscal troubles. The order instructs agencies to curb non-essential spending, review hiring decisions, and prepare reserves in case of slower revenue growth.
I believe the problem lies with ever-expanding state spending. Earlier this year, Governor Pritzker signed a budget totaling more than $55 billion and added over $1 billion in new taxes and revenue gimmicks on the backs of Illinois taxpayers and businesses.
While state payrolls and programs expand, private-sector job growth in Illinois continues to trail neighboring states. Families face rising costs of living, yet government spending keeps accelerating.
Illinois’ record revenues underscore that the state does not have a revenue problem but a spending problem. Families are forced to live within their means every day, but Springfield continues to grow government faster than taxpayers can keep up.
DeWitte Finishes 2025 Outreach Calendar with Coat Drive, Shred Event, and Senior Fair
Thank you to everyone who came out to my document shredding event in Pingree Grove over the weekend. We had a steady stream of cars, as people safely disposed of sensitive paper documents in need of secure destruction.
My fall/winter coat drive is now officially underway, and coat donations can be dropped off at my West Dundee office, at the St. Charles Municipal Building, at Algonquin Village Hall, or at the Salvation Army of St. Charles. The graphic notes the hours of operation at each drop-off point.
This year’s coat donations will benefit Kids in Need- McHenry County, Lazarus House Homeless Shelter, the Wayside Center in Elgin, and the Salvation Army of St. Charles.
Looking ahead, this weekend I am hosting another shred event, this time in Elburn. At the Elburn event, we’ll also be collecting non-perishable food items and toiletries for a local food pantry.
Please mark your calendars for these upcoming events:
- September 29: Fall/Winter Coat Drive, New or gently-used coats will be collected through October 13 to be distributed to families in crisis in Kane and McHenry Counties
- October 4: FREE Document Shredding Event, Elburn Town & Country Library, 320 E North Street, Elburn, 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
- October 14: Senior Fair in Crystal Lake, Grand Oaks Recreation Building 1401 IL-176, 10:00 AM – 12:00 Noon
You can learn more about these upcoming events by visiting the Events page on my website.
State Launches Listening Tour on Math Plan
Illinois education officials are seeking feedback on a new statewide effort to improve student math performance, five years after Governor JB Pritzker’s COVID-19 shutdown closed schools and disrupted learning.
The Illinois State Board of Education will begin an eight-stop listening tour in October to gather input on its first draft of a “Comprehensive Numeracy Plan,” designed to provide educators with evidence-based strategies for teaching math.
The first session is scheduled for Oct. 16 at the board’s Springfield office, with additional stops set for Naperville on Oct. 22, Rockford on Oct. 23, a virtual session on Nov. 4, Champaign on Nov. 5, Edwardsville on Nov. 12, Carbondale on Nov. 13, and Chicago on Nov. 18. All meetings begin at 4 p.m. and participants can register online. The final version of the plan is expected to be presented to the state board by June 2026.
Student testing data show that reading scores for grades three through eight have recovered to pre-pandemic levels, gains that state officials attribute to the Comprehensive Literacy Plan adopted in recent years. Math scores, however, remain below 2019 levels, prompting the state to rethink the way math is currently being taught.
Department of Agriculture Asks for the Public’s Help Against Invasive Spotted Lanternfly
The Illinois Department of Agriculture is asking residents to be on the lookout for the invasive spotted lanternfly, a pest that was first confirmed in the state in 2023 and is now being found more frequently. While the insect does not pose a threat to people or animals, it feeds on a variety of plants, including grapevines, fruit trees, and maples, which could affect agriculture and outdoor spaces.
Officials say the spotted lanternfly is often found in backyards, gardens, and other non-commercial areas, making public awareness important. Residents are encouraged to report sightings by emailing lanternfly@illinois.edu with a photo of the insect and the location where it was found. These reports enable experts to track the spread and plan effective responses.
The Department of Agriculture notes that prevention and early detection are the best defenses against this pest. Residents should check outdoor items, vehicles, and firewood for insects or egg masses before traveling, and take action to remove and destroy any that are found.
Community involvement is essential in stopping the spread of the spotted lanternfly and protecting Illinois agriculture. He/she urges residents to stay alert and take a moment to report sightings to state officials.