Illinois Valley Times

State Sen. Brian Stewart (R-Freeport) criticized Gov. JB Pritzker’s $45.4 billion general revenue spending plan for fiscal year 2023 that calls for $1 billion in tax cuts.

Stewart compared Pritzker’s budget unveiling during his State of the State and Budget Address on Feb. 2 to the Groundhog Day tradition of a groundhog leaving hibernation to predict the weather.

“His speech was full of hope for sunshine but did not acknowledge the shadows of more fiscal winter looming,” Stewart said in a statement on Feb. 2. “He is proposing to give Illinois families short-term, one-time relief, instead of the meaningful tax reforms they need. … We need to hear more about sustainable revenues from a strong Illinois economy, not just using one-time revenues from the federal government.”

Pritzker’s budget includes the proposed Family Relief Plan that he said in his address would “provide immediate assistance to help families fight inflation.” The plan includes “$475 million in property tax rebates for families, with a one-time property tax rebate payment to homeowners of 5% of property taxes paid, up to $300 for those eligible for a state income tax credit.”

The Family Relief Plan also includes savings of $360 million by freezing for the fiscal year the state's tax on groceries and $135 million by freezing for the fiscal year the planned increase in the gas tax. Fiscal Year 2023 goes from July 1, 2022, through June 30, 2023.

A retired Stephenson County Sheriff’s sergeant, Stewart criticized Pritzker for what he cited as his lack of holding violent criminals accountable; protecting communities and police officers; and addressing mismanagement or corruption in Illinois. He referenced Senate Republicans’ recent updated legislative package targeting violent crime and supporting law enforcement. 

“Any system of government should be open to bipartisan review and cooperation, but Governor Pritzker has gone it alone from day one,” Stewart said. “So it is not surprising we did not hear a more thorough assessment of the problems that still plague our state.”