Quincy Reporter

Rep. Randy Frese (R-Paloma) recently reacted to Gov. J.B. Pritzker's proposed budget.

According to ABC 7 Chicago, the state's financial situation is helped by federal money and increased state revenues. The governor's budget calls for providing nearly $1 billion in one-time tax cuts including property tax rebates up to $300 for about 2 million homeowners. For the next fiscal year, it suspends the grocery sales tax as well as the 2.2 cent gasoline tax hike. It also suspends licensing fees for health care professionals as well as bars and restaurants.

“It’s appropriate that today’s budget address was delivered on Groundhog Day because, like the movie, it was a bit like living the same day over again," Frese said in a statement. "Once again we heard a budget plan based on a rosy picture of our state’s finances that isn’t really honest. The Governor failed to mention that slight improvements in our financial picture are temporary. They are the result of a massive federal bailout and increased taxpayer burdens due to rising inflation - NOT responsible financial policies from his administration."

According to Patch, $45 billion of the budget would come from the state’s general revenue fund.

“What’s more, we’re now into year three of business closures from failed COVID mandates, violent crime is on the rise due to anti-police policies he signed into law last year, and we’re still looking for answers and solutions to protect our veterans in the state’s care at our Veterans’ Homes," Frese said. "Once again, there was no realistic plan to address the long-term structural issues that are holding our state back. Welcome to Groundhog Day in Illinois.”

In the 2022-2023 budget book, the state's largest revenue sources are identified as individual income tax, corporate income tax and state sales tax. They are estimated to total $36,756 million, an increase of $510 million (1.4%) more than fiscal year 2022 estimates.

Other state-source revenues are projected to total $3,119 million, a $42 million decrease from fiscal year 2022 levels. Transfers into the general funds are projected to total $1,913 million, a decrease of $187 million (8.9 percent) from fiscal year 2022 estimates.

Federal revenues are projected to total $4,045 million, a decrease of $741 million (15.5%). This is primarily due to the forecasted drop off of the enhanced FMAP revenues after the first quarter of fiscal year 2023.