Kane County Reporter

Devin Corbett, Chairman of the Aurora Township Republicans, has criticized Governor JB Pritzker for allegedly leading Illinois into financial distress by imposing burdens on taxpayers instead of reducing unnecessary expenditures. Corbett expressed these views to the Kane County Reporter on February 20.

"Governor JB Pritzker has driven Illinois into financial disaster and can no longer rely on federal bailouts to cover up his failures," said Corbett. "Instead of cutting wasteful spending, he's going to squeeze every last dollar from hardworking taxpayers while continuing to fund programs for illegal migrants. Unlike Pritzker, President Trump understands fiscal responsibility and has fought to rein in wasteful government spending instead of forcing taxpayers to clean up the mess. Illinois families shouldn't be punished for the governor's reckless budget decisions."

According to Capitol News Illinois, the state is confronting a projected $3.2 billion revenue shortfall for fiscal year 2026 as federal pandemic aid phases out and tax revenues stagnate. Governor Pritzker presented his seventh budget on February 19 amidst economic slowdowns and uncertainties regarding future federal assistance. Republican lawmakers are suggesting cuts to aid for undocumented residents as a cost-saving measure, with such expenses reaching $558 million this fiscal year. The uncertainty surrounding the budget has been exacerbated by former President Trump's efforts to reduce federal funding to Illinois, particularly after his administration temporarily suspended disbursements.

The Washington Post reported in November that then-President-elect Trump's administration was contemplating methods to cut federal funds to Chicago and other Democratic-led cities if they did not cooperate with deportations of undocumented immigrants. Advisers recommended using federal leverage, such as withholding funds, to pressure municipalities into collaborating with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Trump had pledged mass deportations during his campaign but faced opposition from Democratic mayors in sanctuary cities who committed to protecting immigrants. Legal and political disputes over these policies could intensify since many sanctuary cities depend significantly on federal support for vital services.

Corbett, who resides in Aurora, was first elected Chairman of the Aurora Township Republican Party in 2024. According to the organization’s website, he is "focused on boosting Republican voter turnout, growing the party’s membership, and communicating the party’s positions on issues that matter to Aurora Township voters."