The signing of the Illinois state budget last week has far-reaching implications beyond the state’s finances and taxes.  While Republicans have criticized the budget for what they view as excessive spending and taxation, some in the Democrats’ voter base feel it has not sufficiently addressed their wishes.  With the midterm and gubernatorial elections forthcoming, the effect on enthusiasm and turnout remains to be seen.

Dr. Kent Redfield is a professor emeritus of political science at the University of Illinois-Springfield.  He says many Democrat supporters had hoped for a more “bold” approach to the budget from legislators in their party. 

Dr. Redfield says voters’ views on the budget could impact turnout, especially if candidates in statewide races make it a key talking point.  

With respect to the race for governor, Dr. Redfield predicts Republican challenger Darren Bailey will use the budget to make his case for reforms.  The state senator faces the incumbent governor JB Pritzker in the November 3 election. 

The budget includes some new taxes on which experts say relevant stakeholders could attempt litigation.  If this indeed happens and materializes, Governor Pritzker and legislators may have to come together again to either find new revenue methods or make cuts later on. 

More information on elections in Illinois is available at the Illinois State Board of Elections' website, elections.il.gov.  More information on UIS’s political science program is available at www.uis.edu/spia.

Dr. Kent Redfield appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show.