Kane County Reporter

State Representative Dan Ugaste of Geneva expressed his disapproval following the approval of the Fiscal Year 2026 state budget. In a statement, Rep. Ugaste criticized the Democrat majority for increasing taxes by $1 billion, which he claims will affect Illinois families, businesses, and job creators.

"Once again, the Democrat majority is raising taxes by another $1 billion on Illinois families, businesses, and job creators to pay for their bad policies and misplaced priorities," stated Ugaste. He argued that temporary revenue sources included in the budget could lead to future tax increases.

Ugaste also pointed out that the budget contains provisions for pay raises and projects that are directed towards districts controlled by Democrats. He criticized the process used this year by Democrats to introduce the budget and other significant legislation at the last minute of the legislative session.

"The process this year included the Democrats choosing to go it alone to bring forth the budget and other important pieces of legislation in the final moments of the legislative session," he said. According to Ugaste, Illinois families deserve better than what he described as "reckless and non-transparent practices."

He concluded with a call for focusing on economic growth through reforms without tax increases: "We should be focusing on economic growth through reforms and good policies with no tax increases." Ugaste emphasized that common sense should guide decisions in Illinois rather than what he sees as reactionary policies from the majority party.