Fuzzy Math and Record Spending: Gov. Pritzker’s Budget Plan Draws Fire

SPRINGFIELD – Gov. JB Pritzker’s budget address Feb. 19 drew mixed reactions, even from usual supporters, while Senate Republicans condemned the record $55.4 billion spending plan—the largest in state history—as unrealistic and burdensome for taxpayers.

If passed, the budget would mark a 37% increase in annual state spending since the Governor took office, far outpacing the growth of the average family’s income.

Adding to the skepticism, just weeks earlier, the Governor’s budget office projected a $3.2 billion deficit. Gov. Pritzker now claims his office has “found” more than $2 billion in additional revenue. With no official economic report to support the claim, critics labeled it “fuzzy math,” calling for transparency instead of political games.

The budget also includes tax hikes on businesses, costs that would inevitably hit consumers. Compounding concerns, Democrats have revived a progressive tax plan that would make future income tax increases even easier—especially if revenue projections fall short. Republicans argue that Gov. Pritzker’s refusal to rein in spending shouldn’t come at the expense of hardworking Illinoisans.

State Sen. Dave Syverson (R-Cherry Valley) says Senate Republicans have urged Gov. Pritzker for years to prioritize struggling Illinois families and stop spending more than $1 billion annually on free healthcare and other programs for noncitizens. While the Governor’s proposal to cut $400 million from the noncitizens programs is a step in the right direction, many remain skeptical. Republicans say they’ll continue holding the Governor accountable because Illinoisans deserve leaders who put their needs first—not empty promises.

Economic concerns remain front and center. Since Gov. Pritzker took office in 2019, Illinois has lost nearly 60,000 jobs and now has the third-highest unemployment rate in the nation. In 2024 alone, the state saw a 25% spike in manufacturing layoffs, with over 13,000 layoff notices issued. Critics argue these numbers highlight why more government spending isn’t the solution.

Noticeably absent from the Governor’s speech was any mention of property tax relief. Sen. Syverson says Illinois families face some of the highest property taxes in the nation, yet Gov. Pritzker seems more focused on expanding government than addressing residents’ most pressing concerns.

Many also criticized the speech’s tone, describing it as more of a campaign pitch aimed at national attention than a serious plan to tackle Illinois’ challenges.

Illinois Senior Citizens: Apply for Property Tax Deferral Today

The Senior Citizens Real Estate Tax Deferral Program offers qualified senior citizens the opportunity to defer property taxes on their primary residences, helping to reduce financial stress and provide peace of mind. Seniors in Illinois may qualify for up to $7,500 in property tax deferral, and applications are now open.

Seniors who need assistance with property taxes should apply by March 1 at their local County Collector’s Office. This program allows taxpayers who qualify to defer a maximum of $7,500 per tax year, which can cover both the first and second installment payments of property taxes. Deferred amounts are borrowed from the state, which will pay the tax bill directly to the county collector’s office.

1. The deferred property taxes are subject to a 3% simple interest rate per year.
2. A lien will be placed on the property for all deferred tax payments and interest.
3. Interest on the deferred amount is due upon the homeowner’s death, when the home is transferred, or if the homeowner decides to pay off the deferred taxes earlier.

To qualify for the Senior Citizens Real Estate Tax Deferral Program, applicants must meet the following criteria:

1. Be 65 years of age or older before June 1 of the year the application is filed.
2. Have a total annual household income of $65,000 or less.
3. Have owned and occupied the property for at least the last three years.
4. Own the property, or share joint ownership with a spouse, or be the sole beneficiary (or both the property owner and spouse as sole beneficiaries) of an Illinois land trust.
5. Have no unpaid property taxes or special assessments on the property.
6. Have adequate insurance against fire or casualty loss.

Eligible seniors must reach out to their local County Collector’s Office to obtain the application. Completed applications must be submitted to the office by March 1 of each year in which the applicant wishes to defer property taxes or special assessments.

For more information, seniors should contact their local County Collector’s Office directly.

Apply Now for Illinois Fire Station Construction Grants!

The Illinois State Fire Marshal (OSFM) is pleased to announce the opening of the application period for the new Fire Station Construction and Rehabilitation Grant Program.

The program offers grants of up to $350,000 for fire stations across the state to aid in the construction or rehabilitation of their facilities. A total of $5 million is available to support fire departments.

Applications must be electronically submitted or postmarked by February 28. Visit https://sfm.illinois.gov/iam/firedepartment/grants-and-loans.html for more information about the grant program.