Republicans raise concerns about Illinois’ budget projections showing major deficits | Illinois

(The Center Square) – A report forecasting major budget deficits for the state of Illinois is getting the attention of Senate Republicans.  

Earlier this month, the Governor’s Office of Management and Budget released a five-year projection that shows the state spending $63 billion by 2030, creating an annual $5 billion deficit. In 2020, the state budget was just $40 billion.  

The projected deficits are despite tax increases passed during the spring legislative session which were projected to increase tax revenues by about $800 million annually. 

Last week, Gov. J.B. Pritzker said he doesn’t agree with the projections.

“It’s been wrong every year you might say and we’ve defeated it every year,” said Pritzker. “I think we are going to submit a budget to the General Assembly in February like I have every year for the past six years and it will be balanced.” 

The management and budget office’s report shows projected spending increases on healthcare, education and government services. Revenues are also expected to slow down as the Federal Reserve lowers interest rates, thus negatively impacting the state’s investment income. 

During a news conference Tuesday, state Sen. Sally Turner, R-Beason, said the governor and his allies are out of touch as they spend billions on non-citizen programs.

“Not only do our citizens have to pay for their own health care, they also have to pay taxes to give free health care to people who are here illegally, people who have been invited to come here with his sanctuary policies,” said Turner. 

Some of the recommendations the office of management and budget provided include  implementing spending controls, and investing in education and economic development.

State Sen. Chapin Rose, R-Mahomet, said Pritzker needs to stop running around the country campaigning for president and take care of matters here at home. 

“People are tapped out, Gov. Pritzker, they don’t have more to give,” said Rose. “So whatever you do this budget year, it needs to be done without increasing taxes on the working people of Illinois.”