Springfield, IL…State Representative Charlie Meier (R-Okawville) released the following statement after Governor JB Pritzker presented his second annual Budget Address before members of the Illinois General Assembly today:
“Governor Pritzker essentially told us he is holding hostage specific funds for education, human services, and public safety pending approval of a “Fair Tax”. His budget proposal spends more and is dependent upon raising taxes. We need a balanced budget without factoring a tax increase. His budget proposal should include a plan to pay off every penny of state debt. As of today, Illinois is faced with over $7.3 billion in unpaid bills. Without a plan to pay unpaid bills, the proposed budget will unfortunately not be balanced.
The Governor’s address today was also not bipartisan. He took several jabs at President Trump’s policies, but the fact is our economy is stronger than ever thanks to the Trump administration. I look forward to reviewing this budget in more detail and will continue to work with both sides of the aisle to reach a bipartisan agreement on a budget that is balanced without new taxes.”