Kendall County Times

Rep. Keith Wheeler is not happy with the fiscal year 2023 budget, as it did not take into account the UI trust fund debt.

Amidst Democrats bragging about curating a perfect budget, Wheeler has pointed out that they haven't made any efforts to fulfill the $1.8 billion debt in the UI trust fund that could have been easily done using the money from the federal government.

"We're going to hear a lot about all the wonderful things that the Democrats have put in this budget. But, I want to talk about one thing that's not in this budget. What's not in this budget is the $1.8 billion in outstanding debt with the UI trust fund that should have been paid with. We're bragging about the best budget in years. … The majority party has had every opportunity fully pay off the remaining $1.8 billion in the UI trust fund with free money from the federal government. Instead, Democrat pet projects are prioritized over every small business, every not-for-profit in the state of Illinois, along with unemployed workers who deserve help coming out of this pandemic. This so-called fiscally responsible balanced budget somehow doesn't conveniently consider the $1.8 billion that they're leaving on the heads of every small business, every not-for-profit, and every unemployed worker in the coming months," said Wheeler.

Republicans were critical of the FY 2023 budget, which Gov. JB Pritzker signed late last month. “The truth is this budget was less open, less transparent, and less inclusive than any budget process in decades,” Rep. Davidsmeyer said. “This is the most obvious election-year budget I have ever seen. The people of Illinois should not be fooled, and the Democrats in the Capitol should be ashamed.”

Illinois Republican Party Chairman Don Tracy provided a statement to ABC 20, saying, "Instead of permanent solutions for working families like real tax cuts and reduced spending, Democrats passed temporary election-year gimmicks, a massive increase in spending, and pay raises for politicians. In the face of record inflation and a crushing tax burden, Democrats gave taxpayers a handful of candy and told them to suck it up. They failed to provide real relief to taxpayers and all but guaranteed tax increases when the federal bailout money goes away."

"Just a few years ago, some people said what we've achieved was impossible. But it's true. Our bill backlog is paid off. Our pension liabilities are reduced. Our rainy day fund is recovering, and we are delivering $1.8 billion of direct tax relief to the people we serve," Pritzker said to WBEZ Chicago.