At a time when Illinois families are struggling with inflation, high grocery bills and rising utility costs, Democrats in Springfield are pushing a $6 billion tax hike to support Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s record-breaking state budget. That proposed budget would represent an increase in state spending of 37% since he took office, an increase of roughly $15 billion.
Tragically, with a large projected budget deficit, Democrats are doubling down on new taxes rather than adjusting spending, once again, like Illinois families and small business owners do.
The tax hike plan includes sweeping new taxes on digital advertising, capital gains, corporate income, and an increase in the estate tax/death tax, which I mentioned in last week’s report, but all of which threaten small businesses, family farms and jobs through investment in the state’s economy.
These so-called “targeted” taxes would undoubtedly ultimately be passed on to consumers in the form of higher prices and fewer job opportunities.
Illinois already suffers from the highest overall tax burden in the country. Rather than offering working families a break, Democrat leaders are demanding more, including benefits for illegal immigrants. The estate tax hike makes it harder for generational family businesses to stay afloat, while taxes on business and investment risk driving employers out of Illinois entirely.
This isn’t a plan to fix Illinois’ economy; it’s a blueprint for more government dependency, fewer jobs, and continued outmigration.
Reining in spending, improving efficiency
I am investing many, many hours in reviewing Pritzker’s proposed $55 billion budget. The 2024 and 2025 budgets previously signed into law, along with the proposed 2026 spending request, point to an unsustainable trajectory that contributes to people moving out of Illinois.
I am finding a lack of efficiency metrics critical to driving accountability. There are many areas where spending can be reduced while ensuring the state agencies improve the quality of services they provide to you, the customer. Illinois spends far more money per person than our neighboring states, and I will drive solutions to this crisis.
Fallen Firefighter
Memorial service
Firefighters from across the state were honored at the 32nd Annual Illinois Fallen Firefighter Memorial and Firefighter Medal of Honor Awards Ceremony on May 13.
The Fallen Firefighter Memorial service was held at the Firefighter Memorial on the grounds of the Illinois State Capitol to honor Illinois firefighters lost in the line of duty. Following the ceremony at the Capitol, the Medal of Honor Ceremony took place at the Bank of Springfield Convention Center.
The ceremonies brought scores of firefighters from across Illinois to Springfield to honor, recognize, and remember firefighters who dedicated their lives to protecting their communities. I believe the event was a powerful reminder of the courage, selflessness, and dedication that these brave men and women demonstrate in their service to the people of Illinois.
I was proud to meet Lt. Edward Levy and Firefighter T.J. Renner of the Streator Fire Department and personally congratulate them on receiving the Firefighter Excellence Award. I also recognized their fellow award recipients — Capt. Ryan Reynolds, firefighter Russell Callahan, Capt. Fred McClellan, Lt. Tim Redd, firefighter Jeff Arendell and firefighter Ian Rogers — who I was unable to meet because they had to return to the district. I am grateful for their courage, sacrifice, and unwavering dedication to protecting our communities.
To reach Chris …
If you need assistance with any state government issue, you can call Balkema’s district offices in Dwight at 815-432-0106 or Pontiac at 815-844-9179. The Dwight district office is at 132 E. Main St., while the Pontiac district office is at 305 W. Madison St. For more information, visit Balkema’s website, senatorchrisbalkema.com, and follow him on Facebook and Instagram.