The Illinois General Assembly will soon begin considering the state budget presented to them by Governor JB Pritzker and his administration. The governor announced the budget plans during his State of the State address on Wednesday. The process this time is expected to be more difficult. Pandemic-era federal relief will soon expire, requiring officials to either make cuts or find revenue elsewhere. With differences in priorities among party lines, legislators may struggle to come to agreements on certain terms.
State Senator Steve McClure cites early census data which shows that in 2024, 80,000 more people moved out of Illinois compared to moving into the state. He believes tax increases in the state have contributed to the higher levels of out-migration, and vice versa.
The state senator says despite his party’s minority in the General Assembly, policy differences among Democrats in the legislature could help Republicans gain leverage.
Separate from the budget, State Senator McClure has been involved in drafting multiple pieces of legislation relating to domestic violence. He says the bills would support survivors and keep their abusers away from them.
State Senator McClure believes the misdemeanor classification for violating orders of protection are too lenient. His bill in the package would upgrade it to a felony.
The package includes Senate Bills 3139, 3140, 3141, and 3142. More information on State Senator Steve McClure is available at www.senatormcclure.com.
State Senator Steve McClure appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show.
