South West Illinois News

Ed McLean, Chair of the Monroe County Republicans, expressed concerns regarding Governor J.B. Pritzker's policies. "These policies have pushed residents to leave, making it harder for families to make ends meet in our great state," he said.

"Although Gov. JB Pritzker calls himself a “happy warrior” fighting for Illinois against the Trump presidency, his own policies are the real threat to the state's future," said Ed Mclean, Chairman. "High taxes, massive debt, and economic mismanagement under Democratic leadership are driving Illinois into deeper trouble. These policies have pushed residents to leave, making it harder for families to make ends meet in our great state. Let's be clear–when it comes to protecting Illinoisians' rights, the biggest threat is Pritzker himself."

In June, Governor J.B. Pritzker signed a $53.1 billion spending plan for the 2025-2026 fiscal year, which has been described as the largest in state history. According to Capitol News Illinois, when signing the budget, Pritzker called it a "demonstration of ‘fiscal responsibility." He noted that $198 million would be added to the state's rainy-day fund, bringing it to a record $2.2 billion. The budget also aims to make full payments into the state's pension system and includes provisions such as a tax credit for low-income families and higher wages for individuals working with disabled people. The tax credit will offer 20% of the state's Earned Income Tax Credit in 2024 and 40% in 2025 for families with children under the age of 12.

Capitol News Illinois reported that this tax credit will cost the state $50 million. Additionally, the spending plan allocates $811 million for healthcare, shelter, and other services for recently arrived migrants. The process of passing the revenue bill faced challenges, including warnings from Rep. Fred Crespo about an impending fiscal cliff; Crespo ultimately voted against it after suggesting various spending controls that were not implemented.

Despite concerns over financial allocations and population trends, Deputy Governor Andy Manar refuted claims of population decline during a panel discussion with the Better Government Association on October 19th. "There has never been more people living in the state of Illinois than there is today," Manar said. He referenced a Post Enumeration Survey indicating population growth as a correction from previous Census data.

McLean has served as Chair of the Monroe County Republicans since his election in 2016 and focuses on increasing Republican voter turnout and membership while communicating party positions on issues important to Monroe County voters.