South West Illinois News

Sparta World Shooting and Recreation Complex (SWSRC) is set to receive $3.4 million under a controversial state spending plan that lawmakers passed earlier this week.

Gov. JB Pritzker is expected to sign the record-setting $53.1 billion fiscal year 2025 budget at any time. 

The Sparta shooting center, operated by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, is sanctuary for gun enthusiasts in a state hostile to ownership. It is situated on 1,600 acres and features 120 trap houses stretching 3.5 mils, two sporting clay courses, 24 combination trap/skeet fields and cowboy action shooting.

According to the 3,389-page budget document, the SWSRC will receive from the State Parks Fund:

-$1.5 million for ordinary and contingent expenses;

$350,000 for ordinary and contingent expenses "of which no expenditures shall be authorized from the appropriation until revenues from sponsorships or donations sufficient to offset such expenditures have been collected and deposited into the State Parks Fund";

-$75,000 for the Sparta Imprest Account; and

-$1.5 million for ordinary and contingent expenses payable from the Wildlife and Fish Fund.

State Representative David Friess (R-Red Bud), who represents the district where SWSRC is located, opposed the FY25 budget, having expressed deep concerns over its financial priorities and impact on Illinois residents.

One of the most controversial aspects of the budget was the allocation of nearly $1 billion on care for illegal migrants, to be offset by more than $1 billion in tax increases.

“I am deeply troubled by the FY25 state budget. It demonstrates a severe misallocation of resources, favoring non-citizens over the hardworking people of Illinois,” Rep. Friess said. “This budget, with its record-breaking $53 billion in spending, fails to address the real needs of our communities.”

The proposed budget sets a record high of more than $53 billion in spending—a 32% increase over the last five years.

“Our constituents deserve a budget that prioritizes their needs and ensures responsible use of state resources. I will continue to fight for fiscal policies that reflect the true interests of Illinoisans and hold our government accountable for its spending. This budget is not responsible or sustainable, and that’s why I vote no.”