As families continue to struggle, state government spending in Illinois has grown nearly 40 percent in just seven years under Governor JB Pritzker. Despite record tax collections, the Governor continues to expand government spending while trying to shift the blame for the state’s fiscal challenges onto the federal government.
Last week, Pritzker signed an executive order telling agencies to cut up to 4 percent from their budgets while once again blaming Washington for the state’s fiscal troubles. The order instructs agencies to curb non-essential spending, review hiring decisions, and prepare reserves in case of slower revenue growth.
While Pritzker seeks to blame Washington, Senator Plummer said the problem lies with state spending. Earlier this year, Governor Pritzker signed a budget totaling more than $55 billion and added over $1 billion in new taxes and revenue gimmicks on the backs of Illinois taxpayers and businesses.
The Governor and his allies have also pushed proposals that would have raised everyday costs, including a $1.50 delivery tax on packages, new service taxes on haircuts, car repairs, and home maintenance, as well as a digital advertising tax aimed at small businesses.
While state payrolls and programs expand, private-sector job growth in Illinois continues to trail neighboring states. Families face rising costs of living, yet government spending keeps accelerating.
State Senator Plummer says Illinois’ record revenues underscore that the state does not have a revenue problem but a spending problem. He argues that families are forced to live within their means every day, but Springfield continues to grow government faster than taxpayers can keep up.