Central Illinois legislators comment on Pritzker's State of the State
Some Democrats applauded Pritzker's spending priorities, including lowering the prices of prescription drugs and investing in education. They also liked that there was no new tax increases proposed.
'K-12 education is the foundation of our future, and investing in our schools is investing in our children's success,' Sen. Paul Faraci (D-Champaign) said in a statement. 'The governor's budget reflects the importance of public education and takes steps to sustain efforts that prepare the next generation. The $350 million increase in evidence-based funding ensures Illinois families have access to quality schools and programs.'
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Republican lawmakers expressed concerns with the total size of the budget.
'Governor Pritzker introduced the largest budget in Illinois' history, totaling $55.235 billion, a nearly $2 billion increase from the Fiscal Year 2025 budget,' Rep. Brandun Schweizer (R-Danville) said. 'The state is faced with a $425 million deficit for Fiscal Year 2026 and yet again, the Governor is asking taxpayers to foot the bill so that he can cater to his core constituencies.'
Many Republicans also took issue with Pritzker comparing the Trump administration actions to the rise of Nazi Germany.
'There were some good things about the speech, but he just threw it all away with these unbelievable comparisons of Nazis and things like that,' Sen. Steve McClure (R-Springfield) said. 'You know, Governor, it's OK for me to disagree with you because they call him horrible names. Apparently, he just wants to get national attention with this speech and govern our state.'
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Some Democrats from the Legislative Black Caucus and the Illinois Legislative Latino Caucus were quite critical of the governor's ideas. State Representative Carol Ammons said Wednesday she would vote no on the budget the way Pritzker drafted it.
'Not even a slight mention towards me is an insult to this entire black community that is standing right here with you right now,' Ammons said to Pritzker at a news conference. 'We must demand not just by words, but by your actions. Be willing to say no.'
Some Republicans warned they viewed the proposed spending may cause more people to relocate outside of Illinois.
'This budget is a smoke-and-mirrors scheme designed to justify yet another tax hike on hardworking Illinoisans, further cementing the Democratic agenda that is making Illinois politically uninhabitable,' Rep. Brad Halbrook (R-Shelbyville) said. 'This budget spends more than the previous year while continuing to expand programs that fund illegal aliens. Meanwhile, Illinois continues to lose employers and residents.'
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Senator Doris Turner (D-Springfield) said she looks forward to working with other elected officials to bringing necessary funding to Central Illinois.
'Whether you're a small family farmer outside Mt. Auburn, an accountant at ADM in Decatur, work customer service at Horace Mann in Springfield or drive a truck for Cleeton's in Tovey: This budget should recognize your needs,' Turner said. 'Because you deserve to live in a state that can balance its finances the same way you do at home.'
Pritzker's speech also laid out a number of new initiatives, including offering four-year degrees at community colleges and keeping phones out of K-12 classrooms.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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