SE Illinois News

State Senator Dale Fowler (R-Harrisburg) issued a statement following the passage of a budget by Democrat lawmakers, which allocates over $53 billion for Fiscal Year 2025.

"While I had remained hopeful that lawmakers could work together to produce a responsible budget, I’m disappointed to share that the proposal passed through the Senate does not prioritize Illinoisans. In fact, their action today balloons spending to a shocking $53 billion dollars, raising taxes on the people of Illinois, and directing almost $1 billion toward non-citizen programming," said Fowler.

Fowler further expressed concern about the increase in state spending since 2019. "Rather than focus on helping struggling families make ends meet, what was done today sets a troubling new state record—increasing state spending by 32% since the current Administration took office in 2019. This isn’t about tax relief for the citizens; it’s about tax increases to fund an irresponsible, unsustainable agenda built on the backs of Illinoisans."

He concluded by explaining his decision to vote against the budget: "Our working families deserve a budget that reflects the values and needs of the people of this state, which is why I voted no."