Theres a lot going on around the state, so here’s an update on some stuff you may like to know.
Illinois’ Economy Looks Bleak, Says Moody’s and WalletHub
“Everything is too damned expensive,” Governor Pritzker said during his budget address last month. But instead of taking responsibility for Illinois’ struggling economy, continued outmigration, and high tax burden, the governor once again pointed fingers at Washington, D.C.
Illinois families know these problems didn’t suddenly appear in 2025. After years of one-party rule and policies under Governor Pritzker, families are being taxed out of the state and economic growth continues to lag behind the rest of the country. Recent reports from Moody’s Analytics and WalletHub help explain why.
Moody’s Analytics Illinois Economic Forecast
· “Illinois’ economy will underperform the Midwest and the U.S. in the coming year.”
· “Below-average population trends and deep-rooted fiscal problems such as mounting pension obligations and a shrinking tax base represent the biggest hurdles to stronger economic performance.”
· “Persistent out-migration will weigh on the strength of employment and income gains.”
· “The state’s performance has been weaker than that of the region and the nation.”
· According to a recent WalletHub report, Illinois ranks No. 1 in the nation for the highest tax burden.
· Illinois’ overall state and local tax rates are 53% higher than the U.S. average.
· Illinois residents face one of the highest combined state and local tax burdens in the country.
· As a result, taxpayers in Illinois pay a larger share of their income in taxes than residents in most other states, putting additional pressure on families already struggling with rising costs of living.
Together, these reports paint a clear picture of Illinois’ weak economic outlook. High taxes, slow economic growth, and ongoing outmigration are warning signs that the state is moving in the wrong direction.
While Governor Pritzker continues to blame Washington, the reality is that years of overspending and tax hikes in Springfield have left Illinois families paying the price.
I am fighting to change that by putting forward policies that improve affordability and restore fiscal stability.
Pritzker’s Power Grab Targets Local Governments
Governor JB Pritzker has spent months attacking the federal government for overreach. Yet here in Illinois, he continues to push proposals that do the very same thing, taking away critical funding and stripping local control from communities across our state.
Check it out here.
Poll: Most Illinois voters support opting into scholarship program
Nearly 55% of Illinois voters support the state opting into the Federal Scholarship Tax Credit Program. But it’s up to Gov. JB Pritzker to opt Illinois into the program. Only about one in five oppose him doing so.
More than half of Illinois voters support the state opting into a federal program to let donors help students find extra academic help, according to a new poll.
Only 22% oppose or strongly oppose the move.
Nearly 55% of 579 registered Illinois voters favor the state opting into the Federal Scholarship Tax Credit program. The voters were polled Feb. 9-11 by M3 Strategies for the Illinois Policy Institute. […]
Illinois has until Jan. 1 to opt into the Federal Scholarship Tax Credit Program. Doing so would mean students could begin taking advantage of these extra education dollars as soon as next year.
Students in public or private schools can use the scholarship money for educational services such as tutoring, additional educational classes, books or online educational materials, fees for standardized or college admissions exams and fees for dual enrollment.
That means public school students who may be struggling in certain academic areas or needing extra help or materials won’t have to leave their local public school for the support or opportunities they need.
The money also can be used for educational therapies for students with disabilities enrolled in the public school system or in a private or homeschool.
The Federal Scholarship Tax Credit Program will not divert federal or state money from public schools. There is no cost to states — only the benefit of more help for students.
The scholarships are donated by taxpayers, who will get an annual dollar-for-dollar federal tax credit of up to $1,700 for a qualified contribution to a scholarship-granting organization.
If Illinois does not opt into the program, state residents can still get the tax credit, but the scholarship money would go elsewhere. No Illinois students would be eligible for the funds.
The tax credit is federal and will take effect no matter what Illinois decides. With broad support for opting in among Illinois, state leaders’ response should be clear.
Clocks Spring Forward on Sunday!
Throughout Illinois, clocks will move forward one hour this Sunday to mark the beginning of Daylight Saving Time. Illinois will be on Central Daylight Time, which we share with our neighboring states of Iowa, Missouri, and Wisconsin, and many of the counties within our other neighbor states of Indiana and Kentucky. Illinois will remain on Daylight Saving Time until Sunday, November 1, the day after Halloween.
Photo Dump!
Have a Great Weekend!
Please get outside and enjoy this beautiful weather. I’ll be travelling around the district, if you see me stop me and say hi! Of course, if you should need any assistance with a state agency, my office is here to help. Just give us a call.
See you around!
-Charlie