Miraculous “Found” Money and Record Spending: Gov. Pritzker’s Budget Plan Draws Fire
Following Governor J.B. Pritzker’s budget address last Wednesday, my Senate Republican colleagues and I condemned the record $55.4 billion spending plan—the largest in state history—as unrealistic and burdensome for taxpayers. If passed, it would mark a 37% increase in annual state spending since he took office, far outpacing the growth of the average family’s income.
Adding to our skepticism, just weeks earlier, the Governor’s budget office projected a $3.2 billion deficit. One day prior to the address, Governor Pritzker announced that his office had “found” more than $2 billion in additional revenue. With no official economic report to support the claim, I can only assume the new money is a reflection of recent data related to an improved economic outlook under President Donald Trump.
The Pritzker budget also includes tax hikes on businesses, costs that would inevitably hit consumers. Additionally, Democrats have revived a progressive tax plan (SJRCA 04) that would make future income tax increases even easier—especially if revenue projections fall short. I firmly believe that Governor Pritzker’s refusal to rein in spending shouldn’t come at the expense of hardworking Illinoisans.
Economic concerns remain front and center. Since Governor Pritzker took office in 2019, Illinois has lost nearly 60,000 jobs and now has the third-highest unemployment rate in the nation. In 2024 alone, the state saw a 25% spike in manufacturing layoffs, with over 13,000 layoff notices issued. These numbers highlight why more government spending isn’t the solution.
During the speech, the Governor also referred to President Trump and all Republicans as “Nazis.”
Noticeably absent from the Governor’s speech was any mention of property tax relief. In my opinion it is obvious that Governor Pritzker is more focused on expanding government than addressing residents’ most pressing concerns. The tone of his speech also made it clear that JB Pritzker’s priority is improving his national profile and attacking President Trump. The needs of Illinoisans are clearly taking a back seat to his political ambitions for 2028.
Following the speech, I issued this press statement:
“Today we heard a lot of vague promises but not a lot of substance when it comes to filling the billion-dollar budget hole Governor Pritzker and his Democrat allies created. Rather than reducing spending, it appears the Pritzker spending spree will continue. The Governor proposed yet another record-high budget, this time proposing an additional $2 billion in state spending. At this pace, Illinoisans are on the hook for a $15 billion increase in spending under JB Pritzker. That’s a 37% hike in state spending during Pritzker’s tenure in office. It’s simply unaffordable and an insult to struggling taxpayers.
“Illinois residents are drowning under costs tied to Pritzker tax hikes and inflation, and I was hoping to finally see a budget proposal that reined in spending. What we saw, unfortunately, was a man who continues to place his own political ambitions ahead of practical solutions that improve lives for Illinoisans.”
Following the speech, I went to the press room at the Capitol and addressed the media. Click here to watch my remarks.
As May 7 REAL ID Deadline Approaches, Wilcox Schedules Mobile Event for April 16
For a few years now, Illinoisans have been encouraged to get an updated driver’s license called a “REAL ID.” The REAL ID is a national initiative to improve security, and back during the COVID pandemic and in the months following, the deadline for compliance was extended multiple times.
The new deadline- one that appears to be sticking- is May 7, 2025, a little over two months from now. I would encourage you NOT to wait until close to the deadline, and to get your new ID as soon as you can. Demand for REAL ID services will be intense as May 7 approaches.
I have a REAL ID and mobile DMV event scheduled for Wednesday, April 16 in McHenry. Additional details will be shared as the event draws near, but State Rep. Steve Reick and I will have a mobile team from the Secretary of State’s office at McHenry City Hall from 10:00 AM until 2:00 PM that day. The event is limited to 48 individual appointments, and reservations are required. Again, details, including how to register, will be shared in future newsletters.
Not everyone needs a REAL ID, but most people who travel by airplane will need one. As of May 7 of this year, a traditional state-issued driver’s license will no longer be accepted as a valid form of ID for domestic flights. Only those with a valid passport can get on a domestic flight without a REAL ID. A REAL ID will also be required after May 7 to enter certain federal facilities, like federal courthouses and military bases. You will not need a REAL ID to drive a car.
The REAL ID has a gold star in the upper right hand corner of the driver’s license.
The Secretary of State’s website had a helpful checklist on what documents must be brought to the DMV with an applicant for a REAL ID. The rules are strict, and those without the required forms of ID will not be able to get their REAL ID. Click here to see that checklist.
Illinois Seniors Can Save Big – Apply for Property Tax Deferral Today!
The Senior Citizens Real Estate Tax Deferral Program offers qualified seniors the opportunity to defer property taxes on their primary residences, helping to reduce financial stress and provide peace of mind. Seniors in Illinois may qualify for up to $7,500 in property tax deferral, and applications are now open.
Seniors who need assistance with property taxes should apply by March 1stat their local County Assessor’s Office. This program allows taxpayers who qualify to defer a maximum of $7,500 per tax year, which can cover both the first and second installment payments of property taxes. Deferred amounts are borrowed from the state, which will pay the tax bill directly to the county collector’s office.
Key Points:
- The deferred property taxes are subject to a 3% simple interest rate per year.
- A lien will be placed on the property for all deferred tax payments and interest.
- Interest on the deferred amount is due upon the homeowner’s death, when the home is transferred, or if the homeowner decides to pay off the deferred taxes earlier.
Eligibility Criteria: To qualify for the Senior Citizens Real Estate Tax Deferral Program, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Be 65 years of age or older before June 1 of the year the application is filed.
- Have a total annual household income of $65,000 or less.
- Have owned and occupied the property for at least the last three years.
- Own the property, or share joint ownership with a spouse, or be the sole beneficiary (or both the property owner and spouse as sole beneficiaries) of an Illinois land trust.
- Have no unpaid property taxes or special assessments on the property.
- Have adequate insurance against fire or casualty loss.
How to Apply: Eligible seniors must reach out to their local County Assessor’s Office to obtain the application. Completed applications must be submitted to the office by March 1 of each year in which the applicant wishes to defer property taxes or special assessments.
For more information, seniors should contact their local County Assessor’s Office directly.
Last Chance: Apply Now for Illinois Fire Station Construction Grants!
The Illinois State Fire Marshal (OSFM) is pleased to announce the opening of the application period for the new Fire Station Construction and Rehabilitation Grant Program. The program offers grants of up to $350,000 for fire stations across the state to aid in the construction or rehabilitation of their facilities. A total of $5 million is available to support fire departments.
Applications must be electronically submitted or postmarked by NEXT WEEK: February 28, 2025.
To qualify, fire departments must have an active registration with SAM.gov and be registered with the state’s Grantee Portal. Additionally, applicants must be NFIRS compliant for at least the last two years, covering incidents reported from December 2022 to November 2024.
For more information about the grant program and to apply, visit sfm.illinois.gov/iam/firedepartment/grants-and-loans.html.