Kane County Reporter

On separate days last week, the Illinois General Assembly passed a Fiscal Year 2025 budget which sets a new record for government spending at just over $53 billion. The new budget, effective July 1, 2024, represents an increase in state spending of nearly $13 billion, or 32%, since Governor Pritzker took office five and a half years ago. No Republicans in the Senate or House supported the spending plan.

Following the vote, Senator Don DeWitte issued this statement: “Every revenue agency that advises Governor Pritzker has forecasted a decline in revenues for Fiscal Year 2025. However, the budget brought forward by the Governor and statehouse Democrats fails to address this challenge, maintaining the status quo of uncontrolled spending. Instead of offering desperately needed tax relief, the budget imposes nearly $1 billion in new tax hikes, treating Illinois taxpayers like the Governor’s personal ATM machine. Astonishingly, spending has increased $12.8 billion since Governor Pritzker took office."

“Families are already struggling to make ends meet, and this budget only adds to their burden. We owe it to the people of Illinois to deliver a budget that truly reflects their needs, honors their hard work, and upholds the highest standards of fiscal responsibility. This budget is a significant disappointment and is a missed opportunity for real reform.”

The surge in government spending is fueled largely by temporary emergency COVID funds and unexpectedly high state revenue. Rather than using these resources wisely, Pritzker and his legislative allies created new programs and increased permanent government spending. This includes approximately one billion dollars annually on programs for migrants and illegal immigrants.

Senate Republicans cautioned against using temporary dollars to fund permanent spending but were ignored as taxes were raised by one billion dollars to fund what they described as "the migrant crisis JB Pritzker created." According to DeWitte: "It is abundantly clear that the Governor does not view the people of Illinois as his priority; he views them as his piggy bank."

In other legislative news from Senator DeWitte:

DeWitte Supports Grocery Tax Bill Enhancing Local Control

Municipalities across Illinois rely on funds from Illinois’ 1% state sales tax on groceries for services such as police protection and public works projects. Senator DeWitte was Chief Sponsor of Senate Bill 3725 which aimed to eliminate this grocery tax while backfilling lost revenues from other government funds.

However, House Bill 3144 advanced instead. This bill eliminates the state tax but allows local municipalities to impose an identical 1% tax on groceries through a simple board vote.

Cleaning Supply and Toiletry Drive Success

Senator DeWitte thanked constituents for their generous donations during his annual cleaning supply and toiletry drive. Donations exceeded those from last year and will be distributed to St. Charles (Tri-City) Salvation Army and Food for Greater Elgin Food Pantries.

Upcoming Events in District 33

Senator DeWitte announced several upcoming events including property tax seminars and traveling office hours across various locations where constituents can receive assistance with issues related to state agencies or departments.

Judge Temporarily Blocks Election Law

On May 22, a Springfield Circuit judge issued a temporary injunction blocking Senate Bill 2412 signed into law by Governor Pritzker earlier this month. Critics argue that this law aims to protect incumbents by changing election rules mid-process.

Republican lawmakers opposed SB2412 stating it was designed to protect incumbents in general elections thus eroding public trust in electoral processes.

Senate Passes Legislation Reforming Prisoner Review Board

The Senate passed House Bill 681 aimed at reforming the Illinois Prisoner Review Board (PRB). The bill enhances victim protections by ensuring notification when prisoners are up for release among other reforms suggested by Senate Republicans.

Despite unanimous support in the Senate, HB681 was not called before adjournment in the House.