Kane County Reporter

Illinois State House District 65 candidate Dan Ugaste expressed concerns about the Fiscal Year 2025 budget, stating, "The Fiscal Year 2025 budget is a whopping $2.6 billion more than last year’s enacted budget and includes pay raises for politicians and a staggering $1 billion for non-citizens." Ugaste, who will face Democrat Linda Robertson in the general election, further added, "Moreover, Democrats voted for $1 billion in tax hikes to pay for their record-breaking spending."

"The Fiscal Year 2025 budget is a whopping $2.6 billion more than last year's enacted budget and includes pay raises for politicians and a staggering $1 billion for non-citizens," said Daniel J Ugaste, according to Facebook. "Moreover, Democrats voted for $1 billion in tax hikes to pay for their record-breaking spending."

According to WGEM, the budget is now on Governor J.B. Pritzker’s desk as of May 29. The report noted that the budget comprises three bills: one for appropriations, one to implement spending, and the third creates new taxes. The budget allocates $20 billion for education, $500 million for quantum technologies, $115 million for migrant welcoming centers, and almost $630,000 for immigrant healthcare upon arrival. Additionally, it includes a $1 per hour raise for direct support personnel working with people with disabilities and $290 million for Home Illinois, a plan aimed at addressing homelessness in the state.

Screenshot of Rep.Dan Ugaste's June 4 Facebook post | Rep. Dan Ugaste Facebook page

Capitol News Illinois reported on May 28 that it took three attempts for the Democratic majority to approve the revenue increases necessary to fund the budget. The first two votes fell short by one vote due to attendance issues. However, at 4:43 a.m., the revenue bill passed with the required 60-vote minimum. The overall spending plan was approved with a 65-47 vote margin, with seven Democrats joining Republicans in opposition.

Other significant allocations in the budget include $20 million to the Coalition Against Sexual Assault to support rape crisis centers across Illinois. The newly established Department of Early Childhood received over $10 million, while the Illinois Department of Education was allocated $2 million for the Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) program.

Dan Ugaste was first elected to represent Illinois House District 65 in 2018. He resides in Geneva with his family and has held various leadership roles including past president of Lake Forest College Alumni Board and several bar associations and committees. Outside his legislative duties, Ugaste is a shareholder and attorney at Nyhan, Bambrick, Kinzie & Lowry.