Illinois General Assembly

For Immediate Release                                                                 Contact: Rep. Halbrook

   February 17, 2021                                                                              

Rep. Halbrook Says Pritzker Budget Based on Non-existent Revenues and Tax Increases is a Non-Starter

Shelbyville…State Representative Brad Halbrook today said Governor Pritzker’s proposed Fiscal Year 2022 State budget again relies on non-existent revenues and tax increases. Halbrook (R-Shelbyville) said he considers the plan a non-starter.

“As Yogi Berra said it’s ‘Déjà vu all over again’,” Halbrook said. “Last year, the Governor made a bad budget situation worse by basing his spending plan on an ill-advised tax increase that voters across the state overwhelmingly rejected. This week, he is again proposing spending based on money we don’t have and tax increases that will hurt families and businesses.” 

Governor Pritzker today introduced a $41.588 billion proposed spending plan that relies on $41.708 billion in state revenues, including roughly $1.5 billion in additional revenues that are currently not provided for under state law.  Additionally, the Governor’s budget proposal contains nearly $1 billion in new taxes on job creators across Illinois he plans to achieve by rescinding vital business reforms he negotiated with Republicans two years ago. 

“The revenue increases he is proposing are just another attempt for him to raise taxes on hundreds of thousands of small businesses who are already in trouble thanks to an entire year of his rule by executive order,” Halbrook said. “The message was clear when voters overwhelmingly rejected the progressive tax increase…this is not what the people of Illinois want. I will continue to fight for taxpayers, demand a balanced budget, and hold the Democrat majority and Governor Pritzker accountable.”

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