Lake County Gazette

Jay Swidler, chairman of the Vernon Township Republicans, has criticized Governor JB Pritzker for allegedly driving Illinois into financial turmoil by imposing additional burdens on taxpayers instead of addressing what he describes as wasteful spending. Swidler made these remarks to the Lake County Gazette on February 20.

"Gov. JB Pritzker has run Illinois into a financial catastrophe, and the days of relying on federal bailouts are over," said Swidler. "Instead of making responsible budget cuts, he will drain money from hardworking taxpayers while funding costly programs for illegal migrants. Meanwhile, President Trump has consistently prioritized fiscal responsibility, cutting wasteful spending rather than forcing citizens to bear the burden. Pritzker needs to make tough financial choices instead of forcing Illinois families to pay for his failures."

According to Capitol News Illinois, the state is confronting a projected $3.2 billion revenue shortfall for fiscal year 2026 as federal pandemic aid diminishes and tax revenues remain stagnant. Governor Pritzker is preparing to present his seventh budget amidst economic challenges and uncertainties regarding future federal funding. Capitol News reports that Republican lawmakers are suggesting cuts to aid for undocumented residents as a cost-reduction measure, with expenses reaching $558 million this fiscal year. The budget uncertainty has been exacerbated by former President Trump's efforts to reduce federal funding to Illinois, particularly after his administration temporarily halted disbursements.

The Washington Post reported in November that the Trump administration was considering ways to cut federal funds to Chicago and other Democratic-led cities if they did not assist with deportations of undocumented immigrants. Advisers suggested using federal pressure, such as withholding funds, to encourage municipalities to cooperate with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Trump had promised mass deportations during his campaign but faced opposition from Democratic mayors in sanctuary cities who pledged to protect immigrants. Legal and political disputes over these measures could intensify since many sanctuary cities depend heavily on federal support for essential services.

Swidler, a resident of Buffalo Grove, was first elected Chairman of the Vernon Township Republicans in 2024. According to the organization’s website, he is "focused on boosting Republican voter turnout, growing the party’s membership, and communicating the party’s positions on issues that matter to Vernon Township voters."