Following the passage of the Fiscal Year 2027 State Budget, State Representative Tom Weber (R-Lake Villa) released the following statement:
“When the Governor presented his budget proposal for FY27 in February, he said Democrats’ number one priority was affordability. Sadly, that was just another political talking point. The budget passed in the middle of the night set a new record for state spending at $55.9 billion, and to pay for it, Democrats are raising taxes for the eighth year in a row to the tune of $800 million!
“Families, small businesses, and seniors living on a fixed income across Illinois are struggling and need relief, especially from property taxes, but it isn’t coming. Instead of providing relief by suspending the sales tax on gas, which would literally save residents nearly 50 cents per gallon when they fill up, Democrats are skipping a 1.3 cent increase in the tax so they can claim to provide relief. However, to add insult to injury, they swept $150 million from the sales tax on gas to fund their budget.
“What is in the budget? Increased funding for non-citizen programs and welcoming centers, despite massive drops in immigration. $410 million is earmarked for that. $220 million is earmarked for Democrat pork projects, and they made sure to include a pay raise for themselves.
“It’s time for the Governor and Democrats to accept reality, exploding the state budget by 40 percent since 2019 for their progressive agenda is putting the financial future of our kids and grandkids at risk. It’s time to change course and for the state of Illinois to live within its means.”