Kane County Reporter

On June 10, 2024, Governor JB Pritzker signed into law a $53.1 billion budget for Fiscal Year 2025, marking the largest spending plan in Illinois state history. This new budget exceeds last year’s by $2.6 billion and includes provisions for tax increases, pay raises for politicians, and a substantial allocation of $1 billion for non-citizens. House Republicans unanimously opposed the budget and associated tax hikes.

House Minority Leader Tony McCombie (R-Savanna) criticized the budget as "a negligent political document that comes at a massive price to Illinois families," highlighting what she described as unnecessary spending on political projects and benefits for non-citizens.

Deputy Republican Leader Norine Hammond (R-Macomb) noted the significant increase in state spending under Governor Pritzker's administration, stating, “Illinois working families and seniors cannot afford to pay for all this massive spending.”

Assistant Republican Leader Amy Elik (R-Alton) expressed concern over future tax hikes due to excessive current and projected spending amidst high inflation and cost of living increases.

The May 2024 report from the Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability (CGFA) showed a notable decline in state revenues compared to May 2023, with federal funds down by $212 million and personal income tax payments falling by $91 million. The CGFA report highlighted concerns about optimistic assumptions in the new budget regarding tax payments and cash flows.

In other legislative news, Sangamon County Judge Gail Noll blocked a change to the state’s election law proposed by Democrats. The proposed law aimed to protect incumbents but faced opposition for altering election rules mid-cycle. Judge Noll stated that such changes could undermine election certainty.

Representative Amy Elik sponsored SB 3571, requiring Automated External Defibrillator devices in schools to address life-threatening conditions like ventricular fibrillation. The bill passed unanimously in the House and awaits Governor Pritzker’s signature.

State Representative Travis Weaver introduced SB 2907 to ensure effective workforce training programs through greater government transparency. The legislation mandates evaluations of these programs' effectiveness by state agencies.

Additionally, State Representative Brad Stephens collaborated with Senate President Don Harmon on legislation to improve traffic safety around O’Hare Airport by prohibiting stopping on road shoulders within a half-mile radius of the airport. Violators would face fines under this measure which also calls for installing automated traffic safety cameras.

The bill passed with bipartisan support in both legislative chambers and is now awaiting action from Governor Pritzker.