As Governor JB Pritzker prepares to deliver his annual budget address later this week, Senate Republicans are urging him to focus on affordability for Illinois families and a responsible, sustainable budget.

Senator Syverson said families are already struggling with the rising cost of living and added that the last thing working people need is a budget that expands government while piling on higher costs through taxes and fees.

The push to improve affordability comes after Democratic lawmakers approved a budget last year that was the largest spending plan in Illinois history. Republicans noted the budget included nearly $1 billion in new tax increases and relied heavily on budget gimmicks and one-time revenue sources.

The more than $55 billion spending plan represented nearly a $15 billion increase in state spending, almost a 40 percent rise, since Governor Pritzker took office. Senate Republicans opposed the plan, pointing to record spending, misplaced priorities, a lack of transparency, and a growing financial burden on families and businesses.

They also point to recent news about Democrat’s plans to revive progressive tax plans, a concept that was already soundly rejected by voters in 2020.

With the governor set to outline his next proposal, Senator Syverson is calling for relief for Illinois citizens. He says that Governor Pritzker needs to rein in spending growth, provide real relief for working families, and commit to a budget that prioritizes taxpayers, families, and businesses, without any new or increased taxes.

The governor is set to give the annual address before members of the General Assembly next Wednesday, February 18.