Illinois House Democrats passed a proposed budget on Wednesday. The budget received no votes from House Republicans, and has been widely criticized by the party. Illinois State Senator Dale Righter, a Republican from the 55th district spoke with Regional Radio News recently, and explained why the proposed budget has been criticized.
Senator Righter mentioned how in order to pay for the proposed budget, taxes in Illinois would have to be raised by 50%, which would mean an additional $1000 out of the pockets of every household in the state. Senator Righter did say that there are spending items that both sides can agree on, however big changes need to be made to the current proposed budget in order to ensure a budget that the state can afford.
Senator Righter said how there have been bi-partisan working groups working towards a four to five year balanced budget plan, however several House Democrats who had been a part of these working groups have instead decided to follow Speaker Madigan’s budget proposal. Senator Righter mentioned that there is still time to compromise on a budget plan before the June 1st deadline; however the current situation looks grim.
