FY24 Budget Approved Saturday Morning Awaits Governor’s Signature
At 2:34 am on Saturday, May 27 while most Illinoisans were asleep, the Illinois House of Representatives passed a $50.5 billion dollar state budget.
I’m disappointed the state budget approved by the Illinois General Assembly continues to spend more without a plan to ease the burden on our taxpayers. As the cost of living continues to remain high, the state budget unfortunately does not respect the pocketbooks of hard-working Illinoisans.
As Deputy Budgeteer for the House Republican Caucus, my Republican colleagues and I offered to work on a bipartisan balanced budget, a budget that could have included our shared priorities. But instead, the Democrats gave themselves another pay raise and made promises they can’t fulfill, setting up for a potential tax hike in the future.
Here is a picture of the 3,425-page budget approved with only House Democrats voting in favor:
Proposal to Retain Jobs at Large Employers Sent to the Governor’s Desk
I am thrilled my legislative proposal aimed at retaining electric vehicle component manufacturing jobs in Illinois was approved by the General Assembly.
My legislative proposal is another tool for Illinois to help incentivize large employers from leaving our state due to other states’ tax breaks. This update to the Reimagining Electric Vehicles (REV) Act could help retain jobs at large employers throughout Illinois.
The original language in my bill (HB 4064) has been included in the revenue omnibus bill (SB 1963) now approved by the legislature, and goes to the Governor for signature.
The proposal offers tax incentives to businesses currently operating in the state if the business plans to convert or expand as an electric vehicle manufacturer, an electric vehicle component parts manufacturer, or a renewable energy manufacturer. If the manufacturer employs at least 800 people and invests at least $500 million in capital improvements, then the Illinois manufacturer would be eligible for REV tax credits ranging from 75%-100% of the incremental income tax attributable to retained employees at the applicant’s project.
Applications Available for the Governor’s Hometown Awards
The Serve Illinois Commission on Volunteerism and Community Service (Serve Illinois) is accepting applications for the Governor’s Hometown Awards (GHTA) program. GHTA gives formal recognition to those who contributed to projects that improved their community’s quality of life. These projects, sponsored by local units of government, had strong volunteer support, met a need, and made a definitive impact, thereby generating a positive outcome in the community, and by extension, the state.
Now in its fifteenth year with Serve Illinois, the Governor’s Hometown Awards continues to enhance the Commission’s mission to improve Illinois communities by enhancing volunteerism and instilling an ethic of service throughout the state. Volunteers are continuing to step up to serve unmet needs in their communities and recognition of these community service projects is essential.
Interested townships, villages, cities, and counties can apply now through June 16, 2023 for projects that occurred and utilized volunteers in their communities from the period of January 1, 2022, through December 31, 2022.
The Serve Illinois Commission is a 40-member (25 voting and 15 non-voting), bipartisan board appointed by the Governor and administered by the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS).
For more information visit Governor’s Hometown Awards (illinois.gov)
Need assistance with State Government?
If you have an issue or need help navigating state government. My office is here to help you. If my office may be of assistance please contact my district office in Alton at 618-433-8046.