COGFA Data Points to $1.2 Billion Hole in Gov. Pritzker’s Plan
A recent revenue forecast from the Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability (COGFA) indicates that Governor Pritzker’s revenue projections are likely off by a wide margin, revealing a $1.2 billion shortfall in the Governor’s proposed budget.
The Governor’s budget includes $490 million in new revenues that have yet to be vetted or approved by the Illinois General Assembly. Even if these new revenues are enacted, COGFA estimates a $740 million shortfall compared to the projections from the Governor’s Office of Management and Budget.
Not only does the Governor’s proposed budget face a potential $1.2 billion hole, but his plan, if enacted, would set a new spending record for the state, marking an increase of 37% since he took office.
Making things worse, the current fiscal year is already expected to end $525 million short, further proving that the Governor’s numbers are not aligned with the state’s financial realities.
State Senator Terri Bryant believes the latest forecast underscores the need for a more responsible and realistic budget. Illinois deserves a fiscal plan that addresses the state’s challenges without relying on unreliable revenue projections or additional tax burdens on its residents.
Illinois Leaders Introduce Key Bills to Combat Deadly Fentanyl Crisis
State and local officials are calling for legislative action to address the growing fentanyl crisis in Illinois.
State Senators Sally Turner (R-Beason) and Sue Rezin (R-Morris), joined by McLean County Coroner Kathleen Yoder, introduced four bills on March 6 aimed at increasing penalties for fentanyl traffickers, improving public safety, and properly identifying fentanyl-related deaths.
Senator Turner is leading two key bills to combat fentanyl trafficking:
- Senate Bill 280: Increases penalties for selling or dispensing fentanyl, making it a Class X felony with prison sentences of 9 to 40 years and fines up to $250,000. It also targets the use of electronic devices for trafficking with fines up to $100,000.
- Senate Bill 1569: Increases mandatory prison sentences for fentanyl-related crimes, adding 5 years for manufacturing or delivering fentanyl, and increasing penalties for possession.
Senator Rezin has introduced two additional proposals:
- Senate Bill 113: Requires defendants charged with trafficking 15 grams or more of fentanyl to prove they do not pose a threat to public safety before being granted pretrial release.
- Senate Bill 1283: Ensures fentanyl-related deaths are classified as “fentanyl poisonings” rather than overdoses, helping to reduce stigma and recognizing that many victims unknowingly consume fentanyl.
Coroner Yoder highlighted the growing impact of fentanyl in communities, noting the difficulty in reversing overdoses due to the potency of illicit fentanyl mixtures. She emphasized the need for a comprehensive approach involving prevention, treatment, and accountability for traffickers.
The bills are currently under review. Senate Bills 280 and 1569 have been assigned to the Senate Criminal Law Clear Compliance Subcommittee, while Senate Bills 113 and 1283 are awaiting committee assignments.
Illinois Selects Iconic Flag, General Assembly Set to Vote on Final Decision
The results of Illinois’ flag redesign contest revealed last week that voters overwhelmingly chose to keep the current flag.
After a five-week public voting period, with 385,000 votes received, the current Illinois state flag received more votes than the next five top designs combined.
More than 5,000 submissions were narrowed down to 10 options, including historical flags from 1918 and 1968.
Although the public has spoken, lawmakers in Springfield will still vote on whether to adopt a new flag or keep the current design.
Senator Bryant believes that lawmakers should honor this decisive outcome and respect the will of the people by keeping the flag as it is.
Darby Hills Takes Office as Illinois State Senator, Ready to Fight for Families
Darby Hillswas sworn in as the new State Senator for Illinois’ 26th Senate District on Feb. 28, bringing a strong background in public service and advocacy for children and families to the Illinois Senate.
Hills, a former Barrington Hills Village Board trustee and founder of Barrington Children’s Charity, is dedicated to supporting parents, creating opportunities for children, and ensuring accountable government.
“I’m honored to represent the 26th District in the Illinois Senate. My mission is clear—fight for families, cut taxes, hold the government accountable, and create policies that grow our economy,” said Senator Hills. “I will work to ensure that the voices of families are heard in Springfield and fight for a better future for the next generation.”
Hills has a personal connection to public service, having grown up in a working-class family. She founded Barrington Children’s Charity, which helps provide meals to over 500 children each week. As a former Cook County prosecutor and Barrington Hills trustee, she has a proven record of cutting taxes and advocating for responsible government.
Shortly after taking office, Senator Hills was named Minority Spokesperson for the Child Welfare Committee, where she will focus on policies that protect children across Illinois. She also serves on the Commerce, Consumer Protection, Judiciary, and Transportation committees.
Senator Hills encourages constituents to reach out to her office with any questions or concerns. She is committed to being an accessible, responsive representative for the 26th District.