State Government Spending Surges 40% Under Pritzker as Governor Blames Washington
While Pritzker seeks to blame Washington, I believe the problem lies with state spending. Earlier this year, Governor Pritzker signed a budget totaling more than $55 billion and added over $1 billion in new taxes and revenue gimmicks on the backs of Illinois taxpayers and businesses.
The Governor and his allies have also pushed proposals that would have raised everyday costs, including a $1.50 delivery tax on packages, new service taxes on haircuts, car repairs, and home maintenance, as well as a digital advertising tax aimed at small businesses.
While state payrolls and programs expand, private-sector job growth in Illinois continues to trail neighboring states. Families face rising costs of living, yet government spending keeps accelerating.
Illinois’ record revenues underscore that the state does not have a revenue problem but a spending problem. Families are forced to live within their means every day, but Springfield continues to grow government faster than taxpayers can keep up.
Medicare 101 Coming to 32nd District on Tuesday
We had a great response to our comprehensive Constituent Services Event last week in Cary. Over 100 stopped by to talk with Cary Mayor Mark Kownick or me about issues of importance, and to check the Treasurer’s Office’s ICASH/Unclaimed Property database, and/or switch out their plastic IPASS transponders for the new sticker technology.
Up next is my popular annual Medicare 101 seminar. If you are a current Medicare enrollee or are approaching Medicare-eligibility age, you won’t want to miss this informative event.
Upcoming events include:
- September 30: Medicare 101, Harrison School (Use Entrance #1), 6809 McCullom Lake Rd, Wonder Lake, 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
- October 14: Senior Resource Fair, Grand Oaks Recreation Center, 1401 IL-176, Crystal Lake, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
New events are added regularly, so please visit the Events page of my website regularly to be kept up to date about events taking place near you.
State Launches Listening Tour on Math Plan
Illinois education officials are seeking feedback on a new statewide effort to improve student math performance, five years after Governor JB Pritzker’s COVID-19 shutdown closed schools and disrupted learning.
The Illinois State Board of Education will begin an eight-stop listening tour in October to gather input on its first draft of a “Comprehensive Numeracy Plan,” designed to provide educators with evidence-based strategies for teaching math.
The first session is scheduled for Oct. 16 at the board’s Springfield office, with additional stops set for Naperville on Oct. 22, Rockford on Oct. 23, a virtual session on Nov. 4, Champaign on Nov. 5, Edwardsville on Nov. 12, Carbondale on Nov. 13, and Chicago on Nov. 18. All meetings begin at 4 p.m. and participants can register online. The final version of the plan is expected to be presented to the state board by June 2026.
Student testing data show that reading scores for grades three through eight have recovered to pre-pandemic levels, gains that state officials attribute to the Comprehensive Literacy Plan adopted in recent years. Math scores, however, remain below 2019 levels, prompting the state to rethink the way math is currently being taught.
Department of Agriculture Asks for the Public’s Help Against Invasive Spotted Lanternfly
The Illinois Department of Agriculture is asking residents to be on the lookout for the invasive spotted lanternfly, a pest that was first confirmed in the state in 2023 and is now being found more frequently. While the insect does not pose a threat to people or animals, it feeds on a variety of plants, including grapevines, fruit trees, and maples, which could affect agriculture and outdoor spaces.
Officials say the spotted lanternfly is often found in backyards, gardens, and other non-commercial areas, making public awareness important. Residents are encouraged to report sightings by emailing lanternfly@illinois.edu with a photo of the insect and the location where it was found. These reports enable experts to track the spread and plan effective responses.
The Department of Agriculture notes that prevention and early detection are the best defenses against this pest. Residents should check outdoor items, vehicles, and firewood for insects or egg masses before traveling, and take action to remove and destroy any that are found.
Community involvement is essential in stopping the spread of the spotted lanternfly and protecting Illinois agriculture. He/she urges residents to stay alert and take a moment to report sightings to state officials.