Quincy Reporter

Gov. JB Pritzker's recent budget proposal has stirred varied reactions across Illinois, drawing criticism particularly from Senate Republicans who describe the $55.4 billion spending plan as unrealistic and burdensome for taxpayers. This proposed budget marks a 37% increase in state spending since Gov. Pritzker assumed office, significantly outpacing income growth for average families.

Adding to the controversy is a projected $3.2 billion deficit announced weeks prior by the Governor's budget office. However, Gov. Pritzker claims his administration has "found" over $2 billion in additional revenue, though critics demand transparency and label this claim as "fuzzy math."

The proposed budget also includes tax hikes on businesses, potentially affecting consumers. Furthermore, Democrats have revived a progressive tax plan that could simplify future income tax increases if revenue projections are not met. Republicans argue that excessive government spending should not come at the expense of hardworking Illinois residents.

State Sen. Jil Tracy (R-Quincy) highlighted Senate Republicans' longstanding requests for Gov. Pritzker to prioritize struggling families and reduce expenditures on programs for noncitizens by over $1 billion annually. While a proposed cut of $400 million in these programs is seen as progress, skepticism remains about its sufficiency.

Economic challenges persist under Gov. Pritzker's leadership since 2019, with Illinois losing nearly 60,000 jobs and recording the third-highest unemployment rate nationwide. The state experienced a significant increase in manufacturing layoffs last year alone.

Senator Tracy noted the absence of property tax relief in the Governor's speech despite Illinois families facing some of the highest property taxes nationally.

Additionally, senior citizens in Illinois are encouraged to apply for property tax deferrals through the Senior Citizens Real Estate Tax Deferral Program by March 1 at their local County Collector’s Office.

Furthermore, applications are now open for the Fire Station Construction and Rehabilitation Grant Program offered by the Illinois State Fire Marshal (OSFM), which provides grants up to $350,000 per fire station with a total fund of $5 million available statewide.