South West Illinois News

In a session held late Saturday, the Illinois General Assembly, led by Democrats, passed a state budget totaling $55.2 billion. This budget approaches a record in spending for the state. State Representative David Friess (R-Red Bud) voted against the proposal.

Friess criticized the budget, stating: “Near-record spending, huge tax hikes, no real reforms, and zero transparency…this is what the Democrats force on our families and businesses year after year. And, predictably, families and businesses are fleeing Illinois in droves.” He further added: “This year’s Democrat budget represents a 38% increase in spending since Governor Pritzker took office, and it includes another billion in taxes to pay for it! To add insult to injury, they even included another big, fat pay raise for themselves. When will enough be enough?”

The passing of this budget continues to stir debate about fiscal policy within the state.