Illinois Valley Times

While Gov. J.B. Pritzker touted his economic accomplishments in his State of the State Address, Sen. Andrew Chesney (R-Freeport) pointed out his constituents continue to seek meaningful permanent tax cuts.

“Rather than hearing a proposal that would put more money back in Illinois citizens’ pockets, our governor is channeling taxpayer dollars toward illegal aliens who visit welcome centers across our state," Chesney posted on his Senate website. “The South Beloit Welcome Center is in my district, and I will oppose any effort to channel taxpayer funds to illegal immigrants.”

According to a WQAD report, Pritzker highlighted his fiscal successes in the address, noting that Illinois, once more than $17 million in the red, was now current on its bills. He also noted that the state, which had gone years without a budget had passed four consecutive balanced budgets.

“What was once a state with no cushion to protect it in an economic downturn is now an Illinois on track to have a $2.3 billion Rainy Day Fund,” Pritzker said, according to WQAD. “What was once an Illinois with a credit rating on the verge of junk status is now an Illinois getting credit upgrades.”

Pritzker also said that several large debts, including $230 million for College Illinois, $900 million in group health insurance, and $800 million in the Thompson center liability, and $4.5 billion Unemployment Trust Fund, have all been paid.

"The $1.3 billion debt owed to Illinois’ treasury funds swept by previous governors? Paid. $8 billion of overdue bills? Paid," Pritzker said, according to WQAD.

During his address, Pritzker also touted Smart Start Illinois, according to WQAD, which includes four components, including pre-kindergarten childcare, home visiting and early intervention. The station noted that the governor commented that the four-year program would boost the state’s funding for the Early Childhood Grant Program by $75 million.

However, Chesney on his website took aim at Pritzker’s childcare plans and a $3 million expenditure for a Transgender, Gender Non-Conforming and Intersex Wellness Grant program through the Department of Human Services, and funding for an abortion services hotline.

“These are radical ideals that appeal to the extremes of the Democrat base,” Chesney said in the release. “These are not the kinds of issues people are calling my office about when they suggest areas for state spending. The people who call my office are just wanting an honest state government that provides adequate funding for critical areas like education, economic development, and assistance for the disabled.”