Republicans and Democrats alike responded to Governor JB Pritzker’s State of the State address on Thursday.  With Governor Pritzker promising many changes and an influx of surplus in the budget, many Republicans just aren’t buying it and calling it “election gimmicks.” 

State Senator Steve McClure says that a lot of talk was made about crime, but the actions of the last year have been the opposite.

With $2.5 billion in spending coming, Senator McClure wants to know what happens after federal COVID relief stops.

Governor Pritzker has insisted that money is not from Covid relief funds. Representative Avery Bourne doesn’t think that Illinoisans will believe these one year payoffs. 

State Senator Chapin Rose says it is very reminiscent of former Governor Rod Blagojevich.

State Senator Doris Turner praised the State of the State address saying, “Today’s budget proposal is a great first step in helping the millions of hardworking families that are still strugglin to make ends meet due to financial struggles worsened by the pandemic. It seems like almost every day we turn on the news, there is a new tragedy within the DCFS.  I am pleased this proposed budget allocates millions of dollars to benefit staffing and caseload management. Further, this budget prioritizes our law enforcement officers by setting forth money to help local municipalities purchase body cameras. There are some encouraging aspects of the governor’s proposal, and I look forward to further discussions in the weeks to come to pass a budget that provides support for all Illinoisans.  People around the 48th district are looking forward to a brighter tomorrow, and I intend to play a key role in delivering the support they rightfully deserve.”