Lake County Gazette

Following the recent State of the State and Budget Address, State Representative Tom Weber (R-Lake Villa) issued a statement expressing his concerns about the proposed budget.

“After listening to the Governor’s Address today, it has become crystal clear that the supermajority party has become completely out-of-touch with the priorities and needs of Illinois residents,” Weber said. “Last year, we enacted the largest budget in our state’s history and today, we were pitched a budget that is $2 billion more expensive. No matter how Democratic legislators spin it or try to ease worries, taxpayers are going to foot the bill to cover this unaffordable budget. Our residents are already struggling enough after years of high inflation and our state’s sky-high taxes, and the budget in its proposed state will only make things worse. ”

Weber outlined his caucus's goals for the FY26 Budget as economic growth, reduced costs, and no tax increases. He lamented that these goals were not met by the new proposal.

“Our goals as a caucus as they relate to the FY26 Budget are economic growth, reduced costs, and no tax increases, which is what hardworking Illinoisans need and deserve,” he said. “Unfortunately, and unsurprisingly, today’s budget proposal fell short on all three fronts. What it did manage to do was allocate more money to send to the Sanctuary City of Chicago for undocumented migrants and tack on $590 million in new taxes, transfers, and other budget gimmicks so that the majority party can continue its yearly tradition of spending recklessly and misplacing priorities. ”

Weber also criticized Governor Pritzker for not addressing key issues such as DCFS reforms or improved ethics measures.

“Instead of acknowledging previous shortcomings and admitting that our state is facing a massive budget deficit," Weber added. "The Governor used his time today to go after our President, call names, and deflect the blame that he rightfully deserves for continued overspending and overtaxing. We heard no mention of DCFS reforms or improved ethics in arguably the most corrupt state in the Union or anything that even remotely indicates Governor Pritzker’s promise to pass a balanced budget will be upheld. ”

Weber concluded by emphasizing a need for accountability:

“Our state is in desperate need of change," he said "That starts with accountability. ”

State Representative Tom Weber serves Illinois' 64th District which includes parts of Lake County and McHenry County. For further information visit RepWeber.com or contact Rep. Weber’s district office at 847-629-5439.