Pritzker’s Spending Surge Comes at Taxpayers’ Expense
While families are tightening their belts, Democrats in Springfield are pushing a $6 billion tax hike to fund the largest budget in state history. Gov. Pritzker’s budget has surged over $15 billion since he took office, and now he wants Illinoisans to pay more, on everything from digital ads to family farms. Illinois already has the highest tax burden in the nation. These new taxes will raise prices, chase away investment, and threaten the future of family-owned businesses. Instead of cutting waste, Democrats are prioritizing programs for non-citizens and expanding government at every turn. I am standing up for working families, fighting for lower taxes, and ensuring people can afford to live in Illinois.
While Illinois Struggles, Governor Pritzker Chases the National Spotlight
As working families across Illinois face mounting economic challenges, Gov. Pritzker has launched a new national tour to elevate his political profile. He has focused on out-of-state campaign stops and partisan attacks instead of addressing the critical issues affecting his constituents at home. While Illinoisans face high unemployment, rising costs, and record property taxes, Gov. Pritzker travels nationally to boost his political profile. Under his leadership, Illinois ranks near the bottom in the economic outlook, leading the Midwest in unemployment. Families and businesses are leaving, yet the Governor is more focused on TV hits than turning this state around. Illinois deserves a leader who puts Illinois first, not one auditioning for a promotion.
Legislation Advances to Help Farmers Address Deer Overpopulation
In response to motorist safety risks and farmers’ concerns about the costly damage caused by deer overpopulation, I co-sponsored a legislative solution that will streamline the permit process for harvesting deer. I’m happy to announce that the Illinois Senate unanimously passed this bill on May 1.
This is a practical solution to a costly problem. This bill tackles an issue that touches everyone in Illinois. It protects farmers from devastating crop losses, helps reduce deer-related car accidents, supports healthy wildlife management, and shields consumers from rising food costs. It’s an innovative, balanced approach to a growing problem. Senate Bill 710 loosens regulations under the Illinois Wildlife Code to make it easier for landowners and tenants to obtain deer hunting permits. The bill allows for the automatic issuance of additional antlerless-only licenses for those who show effective population reduction efforts and enables owners and resident tenants of at least 40 acres of commercial farmland to receive hunting permits, both firearm and archery, for use only on that land. The measure was negotiated with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and the Illinois Farm Bureau.
Fallen Officers, K9s Honored at Capitol
Last week, I attended the 40th Annual Illinois Police Officers Memorial Ceremony. We honored the lives of the brave men and women who lost their lives in the line of duty. Their courage and dedication will never be forgotten. This year’s ceremony also marked the first time fallen K9 officers were formally recognized. One in particular was K9 Draco from the Pontiac Illinois Police Department, among those honored. From deputies to troopers, officers to K9s, we owe them all a debt of gratitude that can never be repaid.
