Pritzker’s Spending Surge Comes at Taxpayers’ Expense

SPRINGFIELD – At a time when families are cutting back to make ends meet, Democrat leaders in Springfield are pushing a $6 billion tax hike to fund massive government expansion, including what would be the largest state budget in Illinois history.

State Sen. Jil Tracy (R-Quincy) says Gov. JB Pritzker’s proposed budget is nearly $15 billion larger than when he first took office. Now, Democrats want taxpayers to foot the bill through a series of new and expanded taxes, including hikes on digital advertising, capital gains, corporate income, and estates.

Illinois already carries the highest overall tax burden in the country. These new taxes would drive up consumer costs, discourage investment, and make it even harder for family-owned farms and businesses to survive.

Sen. Tracy and her colleagues are also sounding the alarm over plans to funnel some of the new revenue into expanding government benefits, including programs for individuals who are in the United States illegally.

Democrats are pushing tax hikes, growing government, and prioritizing programs that hurt the very people they claim to represent. Sen. Tracy says it is time to double down on efforts to stand up for working families and fight for lower taxes, more opportunities, and a future where people can afford to stay in Illinois.

While Illinois Struggles, Governor Pritzker Chases the National Spotlight

As working families across Illinois face mounting economic challenges, Gov. Pritzker has launched a new national tour aimed at elevating his political profile, choosing to focus on out-of-state campaign stops and partisan attacks instead of addressing the critical issues affecting his constituents at home.

While the Governor travels the country and seeks favor with political insiders, Illinois families continue to bear the weight of some of the highest property taxes in the nation, a financial strain that many simply cannot afford. At the same time, Illinois has the highest unemployment rate in the Midwest, falling further behind neighboring states that are attracting jobs and investment. Rather than leading the charge of creating economic opportunities and improving conditions here, Gov. Pritzker appears more interested in promoting himself on the national stage.

Under Pritzker’s leadership, Illinois has also experienced one of the fastest rates of population loss in the country, as families and businesses alike flee to states where life is more affordable, and opportunity is within reach. The state’s economic outlook now ranks a dismal 46th in the nation, painting a clear picture of failed policies and missed opportunities.

Rather than focusing on solutions to lower costs, creating jobs, and keeping families rooted in Illinois, Gov. Pritzker has chosen to prioritize cable news appearances and scoring political points on a national stage. Sen. Tracy argues that Illinois deserves a leader who is committed to putting this state first, not one who uses his office as a steppingstone to national attention.

Legislation Advances to Help Farmers Address Deer Overpopulation

In response to widespread concerns from farmers about the costly damage caused by deer overpopulation, legislation aimed at streamlining the permit process for harvesting deer unanimously passed the Illinois Senate on May 1.

Co-sponsored by Sen. Tracy, Senate Bill 710 would loosen regulations concerning nuisance permits and landowner permits by providing for the automatic issuance of additional antlerless-only permits during the regular firearm or archery season if a landowner demonstrates proof of harvesting certain percentages.

The bill also makes farmers and landowners who own or lease at least 40 acres of commercial farmland eligible to receive free deer and turkey permits to hunt on their property. These permits would include one either-sex and one antlerless-only permit for both firearm and archery deer seasons. Additionally, landowners with nuisance permits would be allowed to authorize others to hunt on their property to assist with deer removal efforts.

For landowners with 240 acres or more, the legislation would allow the Illinois Department of Natural Resources to issue one guest either-sex deer permit and one guest antlerless-only deer permit.

Senate Bill 710 now heads to the House for further consideration.

Legislation Targeting “Zombie Drug” Passes Senate

To address the growing threat of dangerous synthetic drugs in Illinois, the Senate has passed legislation to more strictly regulate xylazine, a powerful animal tranquilizer that is increasingly being found in the illicit drug supply.

Senate Bill 1773 amends the Illinois Controlled Substances Act to classify xylazine as a Schedule III controlled substance. The measure responds to a disturbing rise in overdose cases involving the drug, often referred to as the “zombie drug.” In addition to strengthening criminal penalties for the unlawful possession or distribution of xylazine, Senate Bill 1773 includes important protections for legitimate veterinary and wildlife use.

Data from the Illinois Department of Public Health shows that xylazine was detected in 45 overdose deaths in 2020 and in more than 200 deaths by 2022. While not approved for human use, xylazine is often used to enhance the effects of other drugs, making it especially dangerous and difficult to treat.

Senate Bill 1773 now moves to the House for consideration.

Tragedy Strikes Youth Camp in Chatham

A devastating accident at the YNOT Outdoors Summer and After School Camp in Chatham on April 28 resulted in the deaths of four children and left several others injured. The tragedy has deeply impacted families and the entire community, as residents mourn the loss of young people and hope for the recovery of those still hospitalized.

Throughout the week, the Chatham community has come together in the wake of the accident, offering support to the affected families and honoring the memory of the children whose lives were cut short. Many around the state have expressed their sorrow, especially those who understand the heartbreak of losing a child.

First responders and medical teams were quick to arrive at the scene to care for the injured. Their efforts have been widely acknowledged as the community begins to cope with the aftermath of the incident.

Illinois Senate Republicans join with others across the state in offering their heartfelt sympathy to the families, loved ones, and the entire Chatham community during this incredibly difficult time.

Fallen Officers, K9s Honored at Capitol

The Illinois Police Officer Memorial Ceremony took place on May 1 in the Capital City to honor the brave law enforcement officers who lost their lives in the line of duty.

The day began with a squad car procession lining up at the Illinois State Fairgrounds at 6:30 a.m., followed by an interfaith church service at 9:30 a.m. at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Springfield, less than a mile from the Illinois State Capitol. The formal memorial ceremony was held at the Illinois State Library, where officers, families, and officials paid tribute to the fallen heroes whose names will be added to the Illinois Police Memorial.

This ceremony was a powerful reminder of the courage, sacrifice, and dedication of our law enforcement officers. Sen. Tracy says she and her colleagues proudly stand behind police officers, honoring their service and the sacrifices they make to protect Illinois communities.

Nine fallen officers will have their names added to a monument in Springfield that honors those who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving their communities. For the first time, the ceremony also included a tribute to K-9 partners who were killed in the line of duty.