Over the weekend, the Illinois General Assembly passed the largest budget in history, at a whopping 55.2 billion dollars – nearly $2 billion more than last year. While this budget is unreasonable for Illinois, House Republicans were proud to stand together to beat several shady bills, like the Homeschool Act and the Service Tax.
I voted against this budget because I believe my district’s hard earned tax dollars are not being well spent. Once again, Illinois taxpayers will have to pay the price for the mismanagement from the supermajority party. Democrats themselves have said this was going to be a tough budget year, but still found room to give themselves pay raises and fund pork projects in Democratic districts. This budget also sweeps dozens of special state funds to supplement the general revenue fund, raiding dollars meant for other important purposes. We were hopeful that this year would be different, and a budget would be negotiated in good faith, but unfortunately, it’s business as usual in Springfield.
Watch me debate the budget on the floor here.
ASSISTED SUICIDE
The Illinois House of Representatives passed Senate Bill 1950 by a vote of 63-42, with many Democrats voting against the measure. I voted against this bill, which was crafted after House deadlines and moved along the process through bended rules.
By the title, you’d think this is a Sanitary Food Preparation bill. The reality is far more serious: physician assisted suicide – and it just passed the House. In true Illinois fashion, a shell bill was morphed in the final week of session and turned into an issue of utmost importance – life and death. I voted for life.
SB 1950 was not heard in the Senate.
SECOND AMENDMENT
House Democrats passed two measures that infringe on the Second Amendment (SB8 and HB850) while subverting the legislative process. I rose to raise concerns, once again, on the constitutionality of these measures and the cost to taxpayers as these are litigated in the courts.
Watch what I had to say here.
THIS SUMMER
I am glad to be back in district and have several events planned for my constituents.
I am teaming up with Senator Erica Harriss for a Kids Fair in Granite City on June 28th.
Thank you for taking time to read my Capitol Update. We will be in touch again soon!