Quincy Reporter

SPRINGFIELD – As Illinois grapples with economic issues, a proposed $6 billion tax hike has met with criticism from State Sen. Jil Tracy (R-Quincy) and others who argue it adds to the financial burden on residents. They contend the increase is intended to support extensive governmental growth, resulting in the state's most massive budget ever, proposed by Gov. JB Pritzker. The proposed budget exceeds by nearly $15 billion the state budget from when Pritzker took office. Planned revenue gains target taxes on digital advertising, capital gains, corporate income, and estates. Tracy warns these taxes could spike consumer costs and harm investments, notably affecting family-operated farms and businesses.

Critics, including Tracy, also oppose new spending for government benefits, specifically those targeting individuals in the United States illegally. "Democrats are pushing tax hikes, growing government, and prioritizing programs that hurt the very people they claim to represent," Tracy added.

In political news, Gov. Pritzker faces criticism over prioritizing a national political agenda. Amid Illinois's economic struggles, such as ranked among the highest in property taxes and suffering from the highest unemployment rate in the Midwest, Pritzker embarks on a national tour to bolster his political image. The Governor's focus on out-of-state engagements has drawn ire, with Tracy stating that Illinois requires a leader focused on state issues rather than national recognition.

Further highlighted is a bill passing the Illinois Senate aimed at aiding farmers with the region's deer overpopulation problem. Senate Bill 710, co-sponsored by Sen. Tracy, simplifies obtaining nuisance permits and expands hunting permissions. The bill is set to proceed to the House for consideration.

Meanwhile, Senate Bill 1773 targets the regulation of xylazine, increasingly found in illicit drugs, by classifying it as a Schedule III controlled substance. This legislation follows a spike in overdose deaths involving the drug, demonstrating the Senate's focus on curtailing drug abuse in Illinois.

Tragedy struck the YNOT Outdoors Summer and After School Camp in Chatham, where an accident claimed the lives of four children and injured several others. Prompt responses from medical teams and emergency services have been commended, while the community mourns. The Illinois Senate Republicans have expressed their condolences to the affected families.

Finally, the Illinois Police Officer Memorial Ceremony honored fallen law enforcement officers, with a remembrance for K-9 units for the first time. Held on May 1, it paid tribute to those who have fallen in the line of duty, adding nine names to a memorial in Springfield.