After Eight Years of Pritzker, Illinois Families Continue to Pay More
Illinois Democratic lawmakers recently approved the largest budget in state history, continuing a trend of significant spending increases during Governor JB Pritzker’s time in office.
Since 2019, state spending has grown by nearly 40 percent, increasing from roughly $40 billion to nearly $56 billion.
Despite record levels of spending, Illinois continues to face some of the highest taxes and costs in the nation. Illinoisans pay nearly $1,700 more in state and local taxes than the national average, and Governor Pritzker has approved more than 40 tax and fee increases since taking office.
Property taxes remain among the highest in America, and State Senator Terri Bryant notes that important education reimbursement programs continue to be underfunded, creating additional pressure on local school districts and taxpayers.
Energy costs also remain a growing concern. In Ameren territory, electricity prices have increased by more than 150 percent since 2019, while ComEd customers are expected to see another increase in monthly electric bills this summer.
Additionally, economic indicators continue to lag behind neighboring states. Illinois currently has the highest unemployment rate in the Midwest and has experienced the lowest job growth among neighboring states since 2019.
Senator Bryant also raised concerns about the budget’s reliance on approximately $800 million in new revenues, taxes, fees, fund sweeps, and revenue enhancements. Included in the budget is the redirection of approximately $150 million in sales tax revenue generated by higher gas prices, which aligns with roughly $150 million in government spending on programs and services for non-citizens.
Senator Bryant argues that Illinois families deserve meaningful relief from high taxes, rising utility bills, and increasing costs of living rather than continued growth in government spending.
As the new fiscal year begins, lawmakers say taxpayers will continue asking whether nearly 40 percent growth in state spending has translated into meaningful improvements for Illinois families.
Senator Bryant Appointed to Joint Committee on Administrative Rules
State Senator Terri Bryant has been appointed by Senate Republican Leader John Curran to serve on the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules (JCAR) to fill the Senate Republican vacancy created by the retirement of State Senator Dale Fowler.
JCAR is a bipartisan legislative oversight committee responsible for reviewing administrative rules proposed by state agencies to ensure they are consistent with legislative intent and state law.
Senator Bryant said that she is honored to have been selected to serve on JCAR and appreciates Leader Curran’s confidence. She added that State agencies wield significant influence through the rulemaking process, and it is important that lawmakers provide strong oversight to ensure those rules reflect the intent of the General Assembly and serve the people of Illinois.
Senator Bryant currently serves as Assistant Republican Leader for the Illinois Senate Republican Caucus and represents the 58th Senate District. She has been a leading voice on issues involving government accountability, public safety, and energy policy.
“Senator Bryant has consistently demonstrated a commitment to transparency, accountability, and good government,” said Leader Curran. “Her experience working with many colleagues in the legislature and understanding of public safety will make her an impactful member of the committee. I am proud to appoint her and confident she will be a strong voice for Southern Illinois in this new role.”
The Joint Committee on Administrative Rules is composed of 12 legislators from the Illinois House and Senate and serves as the legislature’s primary oversight body for agency rulemaking.
Bears Stadium Legislation Remains Unresolved as Session Ends
The Illinois General Assembly adjourned its spring legislative session without approving a final proposal related to a potential new Chicago Bears stadium and surrounding development.
In the final weeks of session, lawmakers considered two separate proposals related to the Bears and large-scale economic development projects. The first was a broader “megaprojects” package that included a series of economic development incentives. A later, more limited, proposal focused specifically on the stadium project and was intended to address some of the concerns raised about the earlier plan.
Neither proposal reached the Governor’s desk before lawmakers adjourned.
Senate Republicans said the proposals raised serious questions about transparency, taxpayer protections, and the potential impact on local property tax bills.
Concerns remained with both versions of the legislation. The broader megaprojects proposal raised questions about the long-term impact of offering significant tax incentives at a time when Illinois homeowners already face some of the highest property taxes in the nation. Lawmakers also expressed concern that the measure lacked strong safeguards to ensure project costs would not be shifted onto local homeowners.
The later stadium-focused proposal also drew criticism after it was filed shortly before midnight and voted on just a few hours later, giving lawmakers, taxpayers, and stakeholders little time to review the legislation. While the original proposal included provisions intended to provide funding support for local communities and schools, the revised version would have eliminated property taxes on the stadium project completely, raising further concerns about how the change could affect local communities, schools, and homeowners.
A few days after the final adjournment of the spring legislative session, the Bears announced that their Board had taken a vote to move forward with plans to build their new stadium in Indiana. While she supports keeping the Bears in Illinois, State Senator Terri Bryant says any plan involving major tax incentives or changes to local revenue must be transparent, carefully reviewed, and structured to protect taxpayers.
Legislation to Increase Transparency on Utility Bills Passed Unanimously
Illinois consumers will soon have a clearer understanding of the fees and surcharges included on their monthly utility bills, thanks to legislation sponsored by State Senator Terri Bryant that passed the Senate unanimously.
House Bill 5524 requires the Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability (COGFA) to compile information on electric utility fees and surcharges and make that information publicly available in a clear and accessible format.
Under the legislation, information regarding charges collected through electric utility bills will be compiled and reported, including identifying amounts that are remitted to the state and amounts retained by utilities. The goal is to provide consumers with a clearer picture of how their utility bills are structured and where their money is going.
House Bill 5524 passed the General Assembly unanimously and now heads to the Governor’s desk for his signature.
Transparency, Veterans Recognition Measures Advance to Governor’s Desk
Legislation to improve government transparency and another to help recognize the service of veterans in Illinois have passed both chambers of the Illinois General Assembly.
House Bill 2137 requires local governments, counties, and municipalities with existing public websites to provide and post information on how to access audit and financial reports through the Illinois Comptroller’s Office. This legislation is intended to help make it easier to review financial information and to view how local government entities are managing their resources.
Republican lawmakers also advanced House Bill 4385, legislation that allows eligible veterans and military honorees to receive a second set of military-specific plates under the same terms as the first set.
Both measures now await the Governor’s signature.