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Yahoo
01-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Illinois lawmakers pass $55 billion state budget Saturday
PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD) — Shortly after state legislators passed the fiscal year 2026 state budget, reactions poured in from politicians who were split down party lines. Many Republicans shared the same sentiment that the new budget was 'bloated' with what they felt were tax increases that hurt working-class Illinoians. The state Democrats, on the other hand, rejoiced over the budget, with many claiming it would help fund much-needed entities such as schools and healthcare and help offset turmoil in Washington, D.C. Republican Rep. Ryan Spain, who represents the House's 73rd District, which includes areas north of Peoria such as Dunlap, Princeton, and Geneseo, denounces the budget and what he says is nearly $1 billion in tax hikes. 'Our state has been in an uncertain financial position for decades, thanks to years and years of financial malfeasance at the hands of the Democratic majority, who have maintained their artificial majority thanks to some of the worst gerrymandering in the entire country,' he said. 'So, it doesn't surprise me that Democrats again violated their own House Rules to ram through the near-largest spending plan in state history that robs the road fund to pay for standard operating expenses, gives legislators another pay rise, diverts funds meant for property tax relief and slaps the people of the state of Illinois with $1 billion in tax hikes. This budget doubles down on years of failed economic strategy that has caused our state to fall behind all our neighbors. The people of the state of Illinois deserve better from their government.' Democratic Sen. Dave Koehler, who represents the Senate's 46th District, including Peoria, East Peoria, and most of Bloomington, celebrated the passing of the budget, citing the support of healthcare. 'This year's budget demonstrates our commitment to providing all Illinois residents with high-quality access to health care,' Koehler stated. 'Our Investment in community-based providers makes certain that essential healthcare services remain available and open for vulnerable residents both in the 46th district and across the state.' Republican Rep. Dennis Tipsword, who represents Illinois' House's 105th district, and he felt the budget was 'bloated' and is sending Illinois 'down the wrong path.' 'The more things change, the more they stay the same in Illinois. Democrats have passed another bloated budget that includes $1 billion in targeted tax increases,' Dennis Tipsword (R-Metamora) said. 'On top of the tax increases, Democrats rewarded themselves with a huge pay raise and pork projects dedicated to their districts. 'Spending has increased by 38 percent in the last six years, a path and pattern that is simply unsustainable. The process to pass this year's budget was again shrouded in secrecy and behind closed doors,' he said. Democratic Rep. Jehan Gordon-Booth, who represents the House's 92nd District, including Peoria, Peoria Heights, and Bartonville, feels it is a responsible and compassionate budget that supports schools, healthcare and helps tackle challenges in Washington, D.C. 'This document puts people first, and reflects a balanced approach in a challenging time,' Gordon-Booth said. 'We're unable to count on the federal government to be an ally on critical issues that help families, and the economic uncertainty caused by reckless cuts and tariff plans further compelled us to develop a forward-thinking budget that has flexibility with funding reserves. By making necessary cuts, we're ensuring we can maximize our resources on priorities that matter to families. 'We took steps forward, but more work remains. I'm going to continue fighting for families so that we can build a brighter future for every community,' she said. Republican Sen. Neil Anderson, who represents the Senate's 47th district, which includes Pekin, Kewanee and Carthage, stated that this is the largest budget in Illinois history, and it hurts Illinois families. 'While Illinois families are cutting back to survive, Democrats just pushed through a $55 billion spending plan, the largest in state history,' he said. 'Worse yet, it comes with nearly a billion dollars in new tax hikes. The budget will mark a nearly 40% increase in state spending since Governor Pritzker took office. 'Our state is already one of the most overtaxed in the nation, yet instead of providing relief to working families and small businesses, Democrats chose greed over responsibility. The result? Businesses are closing. Families are fleeing. And Springfield's insiders keep cashing in while the rest of us pay the price. This isn't leadership, it's exploitation. It's economic warfare against the very people they claim to serve,' he said. Republican Sen. Li Arellano Jr., who represents the Senate's 37th District, which includes Dunlap, Geneseo and Dixon, shared a very similar sentiment as his colleague Anderson. 'Illinois Democrats have just rammed through the largest and most reckless budget in our state's history, over $55 billion in spending, passed with zero transparency, minimal debate, and no regard for the taxpayers who are footing the bill,' he said. 'This isn't leadership. It's political corruption, plain and simple, snuck in during a midnight vote. 'To make matters worse, they're hitting working families with nearly a billion dollars in new taxes. Democrats keep demanding more from you while delivering less. Less public safety. Fewer job opportunities. Less economic growth.' Gov. JB Pritzker shared the same views as his Democratic Party members, saying this was his seventh balanced budget. 'The passage of the FY26 balanced budget is a testament to Illinois' fiscal responsibility,' Pritzker said. 'Even in the face of Trump and Congressional Republicans stalling the national economy, our state budget delivers for working families without raising their taxes while protecting the progress we are making for our long-term fiscal health. I'm grateful to Speaker Welch, President Harmon, the budget teams, and all the legislators and stakeholders who collaborated to shape and pass this legislation. I look forward to signing my seventh balanced budget in a row and continuing to build a stronger Illinois.' Republican Rep. Travis Weaver, who serves the House's 93rd District, which contains Pekin, Brimfield, and Kewanee, shared his quarrels with the budget, saying it is 'outrageous and egregious spending.' 'This year's $55.2 billion budget is $2 billion more than last year and 38 percent higher than it was just six years ago. This is outrageous and egregious spending, and to top it off the majority party is raising taxes by $1 billion to 'balance' their budget hole, he said. 'Illinois does not have a revenue problem, it has a spending problem. We have to tighten our belts, cut waste, and respect our taxpayers and their hard-earned dollars. 'This year's budget process once again involved zero transparency and bills introduced in the final moments of session with no time for actual debate or input. The budget is so bloated it required multimillion-dollar pork projects targeted for Democrat-controlled districts intended to gain their 'yes' vote,' he said. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
09-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Illinois Supreme Court denies GOP effort to discard state's legislative map
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WTVO) — The Illinois Supreme Court has ruled against throwing out the state's current legislative map, which Republicans claim favors Democrats in elections. The was brought by House Minority Leader Tony McCombie (R-Savanna) and Rep. Ryan Spain (R-Peoria) and Rep. Dan Ugaste (R-Geneva), asking the Illinois Supreme Court to throw out the current map, . Gerrymandering is the political manipulation of electoral district boundaries to control the outcome of elections to favor one political party over the other. The suit that in Illinois, maps are made by the controlling Democratic party, and 'have crafted maps to further disadvantage Republican voters and to erode the balance of power.' In , the Illinois Supreme Court ruled that too much time had passed for Republicans to bring their case, writing, 'Plaintiffs could have brought this argument years ago. Their claim that waiting multiple election cycles is necessary to reveal the effects of redistricting is unpersuasive.' 'Today is a shameful day in Illinois history. The voices of voters have once again been silenced by a Democratic machine that will stop at nothing to cling to power. This isn't leadership — it's a raw, cynical power grab. Every Illinoisan, regardless of political affiliation, should be outraged by what just happened,' McCombie said of the ruling. 'Governor JB Pritzker lied to the people of this state. He promised a fair map — but instead stood by as his party drew the most partisan gerrymander possible, rigging the system for yet another decade. This isn't democracy,' she added. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Chicago Tribune
21-03-2025
- Politics
- Chicago Tribune
Editorial: Our views on the suburban ballots' advisory questions on fair maps, pension reforms and unfunded mandates
Illinois voters should have the opportunity to send a message to politicians on the most important issues affecting their quality of life and cost of living. Unfortunately, they rarely have that chance. That's why we're pleased to see a number of suburban townships asking voters to weigh in on big issue advisory questions on April 1. The questions cover thorny issues for Illinois politicians: Fair maps: 'Should the state of Illinois create an independent citizens commission to draw fair and competitive federal and state redistricting maps, rather than allowing lawmakers to decide?' Unfunded mandates: 'Should the state of Illinois be allowed to force unfunded mandates on local governments who may raise property taxes to cover the costs of those mandates?' Pension reform: 'Do you support constitutional pension reform to protect workers' existing retirements and generate savings which could provide property tax relief or be reinvested in the community?' The editorial board has long-held opinions on each of these issues. First, as we wrote in these pages earlier this month, Illinois must adopt fair maps that lead to fair and representative elections. House Minority Leader Tony McCombie along with Reps. Ryan Spain, R-Peoria and Dan Ugaste, R-Geneva are championing a lawsuit filed in January that would throw out the current outrageously gerrymandered map in favor of a fairer one. They've asked the Illinois Supreme Court to declare today's map unconstitutional and appoint an independent official to draw a new map. Regardless of the outcome in that lawsuit, the problem of gerrymandered maps — and politicians picking their voters — isn't going away until we change the way political maps are drawn. To that end, we encourage voters in Lemont, Homer and Palos townships to vote 'yes' on this advisory question. Second, the state should not be forcing unfunded mandates onto local governments, especially because they so often lead to increased tax burdens for residents. Why should the state be allowed to pass a bill that requires spending someone else has to cover? For example, Illinois sets required wage rates local governments have to pay for public works projects—a mandate that takes away local control, significantly inflates costs and limits the ability to stretch taxpayer dollars. We encourage voters in Palatine, Lemont, Homer, Palos, Leyden, Wheeling and Addison townships to vote 'no' on this advisory question. Third, the only way Illinois homeowners will ever see meaningful property tax relief is for the state to enact pension reform, which means a constitutional amendment. While supporting current retirees, this board has long said the state must amend a provision added to its constitution in 1970 that has made real progress on pensions practically impossible. This would not provide immediate property tax relief, but would stop pension costs from driving up property taxes in the long term. We encourage voters in Palatine, Lemont, Homer, Palos and Winfield townships to vote 'yes' on this advisory question. True, these questions are advisory, meaning they're nonbinding and have no legal impact. But they matter, because this opportunity offers a rare chance for us to see how Illinois voters feel about key issues and ideas for reform. We wish it was easier for Illinoisans to get meaningful, binding questions on the ballot, but Illinois' rules make it incredibly difficult to the point that it almost never happens. Meanwhile, California's process empowers voters there to directly participate in the state's legislative process by proposing and enacting laws or constitutional amendments. We encourage Springfield to give that power to the people of Illinois. Until then, it's important that voters weigh in when they can — and for elected officials to listen to the results. 'These are important issues. If the powers that be look at this I hope they see that people are taking notice,' Lemont Township Supervisor Mike Shackel told the editorial board.' Hopefully this gets the attention of the legislators and the governor. These issues have to be dealt with and they're being ignored.' Just like elections to determine who will represent you in the Illinois General Assembly, Village Hall and your local school boards, these advisory questions are an opportunity to send a message to Springfield. Tell them it's time to focus less on Washington and more on what's happening right here in Illinois. We say: Yes to fair maps. No to unfunded mandates. Yes to constitutional pension reform and property tax relief. Voters, the ball's in your court.
Yahoo
03-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
IL Republican lawmakers file batch of bills to boost relief for families
Springfield, Ill. (WCIA) – House Republicans filed several bills that aim to reduce the financial burden on middle-class small business owners and increase the state's economy. The introduced bills include reducing registration and license fees for businesses and removing taxes on tips, increasing education tax credits and allowing people skilled in the trades to teach without degrees. In a news conference Thursday, Rep. Brad Stephens (R-Norridge) said their focus is to grow the economy of all businesses, particularly small shops, without increasing taxes. Illinois senator introduces legislation to make textbooks more affordable Under the current law, any workers who receive tips have to pay taxes on the tips they receive. Rep. Ryan Spain (R-Peoria) filed a bill that would change that by removing state income tax on tips. This means service workers in Illinois, from waiters to bartenders, won't have to pay state income tax. If passed this legislation will only be applied to state tax, not federal tax. One of the introduced bills, by Rep. CD Davidsmeyer (R-Jacksonville), will waive the fees for any business looking to renew their license. To qualify for the fee waiver you must show proof with either a W-2 form or any other tax document that shows you made less than $ 50,000 in the previous year. This applies to business owners who require state licenses to operate. Similar bills filed by Rep. Kyle Moore (R-Quincy) and backed by House Minority Leader Tony McCombie (R-Savanna) would eliminate fees for all first-year business license fees for any new business and home-based business in Illinois. Currently, business license prices depend on the municipality and the type of business. 'There are many incentives to encourage large employers to set up shop in Illinois and that's certainly important to have in our toolbox. But your neighbor, who is a banker who wants to go from their kitchen to a storefront, also deserves to have similar incentives,' Moore said. 'Small businesses support families. They provide vital local tax revenue for our communities. Eliminating startup fees will help working families achieve their dreams and further boost small business growth in Illinois.' Illinois Secretary of State urges Illinoisans to double check if they need a REAL ID before heading to the DMV Additional bills aimed to increase the state trade program and ease the pathway for people interested in plumbing, and construction. The following legislation by Rep. Jed Davis (R-Yorkville) will allow people who are skilled and experienced in their respective work fields to teach manufacturing, engineering and trade without a bachelor's degree. 'I've gone across the district meeting with different businesses. And one common theme that comes up every single time is we don't have enough workforce, we need more help, particularly in the construction industry where we've mandated hiring practices,' Rep. Mike Coffey (R- Springfield) said. Coffey filed a similar bill of his own that will create scholarships for students attending vocational schools. Another part of the bill proposes the Department of Revenue give tax credits to people who donate to organizations that award scholarships for vocational schools. Coffey said this will open opportunities to students and tackle the staff shortage. 'They say, Mike, here's the problem. We don't have the technical support to fill these positions,' he said. 'We've got the work. We've got a year's worth of work, two years, three years worth of work, but we don't have the manpower. So the purpose of this bill is to help. And, you know, one of the things that we need more people trained.' Advocates, Central Illinois lawmakers call for more protections for Mahomet Aquifer Another bill would increase tax credits on education expenses. The bill, filed by Spain, will increase tax credits from $750 to $1,500 for families who pay for their kids' school expenses from kindergarten through high school in public and private schools. The credits and fee waivers proposed come during a difficult year for budgeting, Governor JB Pritzker said. During his budget address, he told the General Assembly if they want to spend, he will ask them where they want to cut. Stephens said that creating these financial incentives will create more jobs and make people invest back in the state. 'It's about putting more money in folks' pockets and then they will have more disposable dollars to be able to spend and purchase goods and services around the state,' Stephens said. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
