Pritzker’s $6 Billion Mistake: Tax Hikes That Threaten Illinois’ Families & Future
SPRINGFIELD – At a time when Illinois families are struggling with inflation, high grocery bills, and rising utility costs, Democrats in Springfield are pushing a $6 billion tax hike to support Gov. JB Pritzker’s record-breaking state budget. The Governor’s proposed budget would represent an increase in state spending of 37% since he took office, an increase of roughly $15 billion.
With a large projected budget shortfall, Democrats are doubling down on new taxes rather than adjusting spending. The tax hike plan includes sweeping new taxes on digital advertising, capital gains, corporate income, and an increase in the estate tax — all of which threaten small businesses, family farms, and investment in the state’s economy. These so-called “targeted” taxes would ultimately be passed on to consumers in the form of higher prices and fewer job opportunities.
Illinois already suffers from the highest overall tax burden in the country. Rather than offering working families a break, Democrat leaders are demanding more, including benefits for illegal immigrants. The estate tax hike makes it harder for generational family businesses to stay afloat, while taxes on business and investment risk driving employers out of Illinois entirely.
According to State Senator Dave Syverson (R-Cherry Valley), this isn’t a plan to fix Illinois’ economy, it’s a blueprint for more government dependency, fewer jobs, and continued outmigration. Senator Syverson says the state cannot tax its way into prosperity, it can only grow its way into prosperity.
Senate Democrats to Expand SNAP Benefits
Senate Republicans opposed newly passed legislation that expands the SNAP (food stamps) program to part-time college students. Senate Bill 1298 would allow part-time, able-bodied, single students taking the equivalent of two classes to receive SNAP benefits. These students would have no requirement to work, even part-time or even be involved in a work training program.
Senator Syverson says this move far expands the original intent of the program, which was established to help struggling families and their children. The government should be focusing on making sure the current program is sound and funded properly for the families who are dependent on this program. He asks what kind of message this sends, that lawmakers supporting this SNAP expansion want hard-working taxpayers to work more and pay more taxes to provide more free benefits to healthy, single, part-time students who do not want to work.
2025 Fallen Firefighter Memorial Service Honors Illinois Heroes
Senator Syverson was honored to join Firefighters from across the state at the 32nd Annual Illinois Fallen Firefighter Memorial and Firefighter Medal of Honor Awards Ceremony on May 13.
The Fallen Firefighter Memorial service was held at the Firefighter Memorial on the grounds of the State Capitol to honor Illinois firefighters lost in the line of duty. Following the ceremony at the Capitol, the Medal of Honor Ceremony took place at the Bank of Springfield Convention Center.
The ceremonies brought scores of firefighters from across Illinois to Springfield to honor, recognize, and remember firefighters who dedicated their lives to protecting their communities. Senator Syverson says the event is a powerful reminder of the courage, selflessness, and dedication that these brave men and women demonstrate in their service to the people of Illinois.
Illinois Gun Owners Send a Clear Message: Don’t Tread on Our Rights
On May 14, Illinoisans marched on the State Capitol for Illinois Gun Owner Lobby Day (IGOLD), standing up for the constitutional rights guaranteed by the Second Amendment. Organized by the Illinois State Rifle Association, IGOLD has become one of the leading 2nd Amendment rights events in the nation.
Supporters from across the state sent a clear message that they will not stand by as Democrats seek to chip away at their freedoms. The group began their day in downtown Springfield, hosting a rally at the Bank of Springfield Convention Center. They then marched a half mile to the Capitol, heard from various speakers, and met with their local lawmakers to discuss legislative issues related to the Second Amendment.
Senator Syverson says that given repeated attempts by the Majority Party to undermine Second Amendment freedoms, this event is more important than ever.