Deputy Republican Leader Norine Hammond (R-Macomb), the chief budgeteer for the Illinois House Republican Caucus, issued the following statement in response to Governor JB Pritzker’s joint State of the State and Fiscal Year 2025 Budget Address:
“Today we saw Governor Pritzker introduce the largest budget proposal in state history. The Governor’s FY25 proposed budget spends $52.7 billion, which is a $2.3 billion increase over the FY24 enacted budget – a 4.5% increase.
“The Governor’s budget plan includes over $1 billion in additional revenue, raising taxes on Illinois families and businesses while providing minimal tax relief. Instead of proposing any substantive cuts to address the projected $775 million deficit, the Governor is asking taxpayers to again foot the bill so that he can cater to his core constituencies.
“Governor Pritzker’s record-high budget does not reflect the shared priorities of Illinois families.
“This budget provides better healthcare benefits for undocumented immigrants than most Illinois families receive. In fact, on Gov. Pritzker’s watch, the State will have spent more than $2 billion in taxpayer funds on healthcare benefits for undocumented immigrant adults. Additionally, the State will have spent $820 million to address Chicago’s migrant crisis.
“In total, over $2.8 billion is being dedicated to services to migrants and undocumented immigrants, while services for our most vulnerable citizens remain chronically underfunded and underserved.
House Republicans support a balanced budget without gimmicks and tax hikes. We support a budget that prioritizes the needs of Illinois working families and seniors over migrants and undocumented immigrants. We will continue to work to pass a balanced budget that protects Illinois taxpayers, properly funds shared priorities, and makes real reforms to improve our economy.”
***Courtesy of the Office of Representative Norine Hammond***
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Video link of Rep. Hammond’s budget statement:
