State Representative Brad Halbrook is calling on Governor JB Pritzker to cut spending and consequently also taxes on Illinoisans.  The state representative blames the governor’s budget policy on the state’s out-migration rate.  He cites early census data which shows that in 2024, 80,000 more people moved out of Illinois compared to moving into the state.  Halbrook also points to efforts by neighboring states like Indiana and Iowa to attract Illinois residents and also discussions of the Chicago Bears moving to Indiana.

State Representative Halbrook argues Illinoisans are not getting the results Governor Pritzker has promised in his budgets and overall policy plans. 

Halbrook says he believes higher taxes and more spending are not the answer, also citing the debt at the federal level.

The comments came before today’s State of the State Address.