Gov. J.B. Pritzker's proposed 2021 budget includes a funding reserve that will only be released if his fair tax amendment is passed in November.
Pritzker argues that the funding reserve is necessary to ensure a balanced budget in the face of uncertainty over future tax revenue. The vote on the proposed amendment will not be taken up until 4-and-a-half months into the fiscal year, making financial planning difficult.
If the fair tax amendment is passed, Pritzker's proposed budget would allocate an additional $350 million in funds to public education in the state. If it fails, the funding increase would be reduced to $200 million.
Opponents to Pritzker's budget argue that it will be detrimental to education in the state.
"Because the reserve is so large, it inevitably cuts into some of the things that we all hold most dear: increased funding for K-12 education, universities and community colleges, public safety and other key investments," Rep. Steven Reick, R-Woodstock, told WSILTV.com.
Reick's colleague Rep. Randy Frese, R-Quincy, agreed.
"In order to be responsible - in order to make sure that we take care of education at our local levels - we don't play games like this," Frese told WSILTV.com.
Opponents of Pritzker's proposed budget are encouraged to sign a petition asking legislators to change course.
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