Governor Pritzker is Making Life Too Damn Expensive

During his budget address last week, Governor Pritzker declared that everything is “too damned expensive.” On that point, Republicans agree. But the Governor failed to take accountability for his role in making Illinois less affordable, and his proposed budget makes clear that more of the same is on the way. 

In his latest proposal, Governor Pritzker continues to squeeze working families and drive up the cost of living:

• A $56 billion budget, the largest in state history and $1 billion more than last year’s massive spending plan
• $728 million in new taxes, fees, and revenue increases on Illinois families
• A proposed $60 million cut to the Local Government Distributive Fund which will drive up property taxes

And this budget builds on a record of higher spending and higher taxes.

Under Governor Pritzker:

• State spending has increased by $16 billion since he took office
• Illinois now collects $1,434 more per resident in taxes than before he became governor
• Compared to 2019, the state is taking in $18 billion more from taxpayers
• He has enacted at least 49 taxes and fee hikes since 2019

It does not stop there. In just the past two weeks, House Democrats have introduced new proposals that would further nickel and dime families, including:

• A new fee on campfires for families trying to enjoy outdoor recreation
• A carryout bag tax that would start at 10 cents and climb to 25 cents per bag by 2030, including on reusable bags

House Republicans have continued to fight for affordability across Illinois, filing multiple bills to address the issue. These include Rep. Ugaste’s HB 9 to provide property tax relief and Rep. Spain’s HB 1383, which would allow taxpayers to deduct tip income from their state taxable income, reducing the state tax burden on tips.

So while Governor Pritzker can blame Washington or anyone else he chooses, the reality is simple: affordability starts in Springfield.