House Rep. Keith Wheeler (R-Oswego) | Courtesy photo
House Rep. Keith Wheeler (R-Oswego) | Courtesy photo
Rep. Keith Wheeler (R-North Aurora) is criticizing Illinois Democrats for passing the fiscal year 2023 budget, which he believes uses federal relief dollars to make the state appear to be in a better financial position than it actually is.
"An influx of federal relief dollars has allowed Democrats to paint a rosy picture of our state finances without actually making the structural reforms necessary to deliver lasting, long-term relief to Illinois families. Do not be fooled by election-year gimmicks. Until we have a state government that can learn to live within its means, Illinoisans will continue to shoulder the highest tax burden in the nation," Wheeler posted on Facebook.
On the morning of April 9, the Illinois legislature passed the fiscal year 2023 budget. The $46.5 billion budget passed the Senate with a vote of 34-19 and the House with a vote of 72-42. The budget allocates $8.8 billion toward human services, $12 billion toward education spending, $2.2 billion for public safety, and $1 billion for the state's rainy day fund.
"This is one of the best budgets that we have seen," said Sen. Elgie Sims (D-Chicago), according to WIFR. "But it also built on the financial stability that we have seen based on the policies that we have instituted here in this General Assembly."
According to NBC5, the 1% sales tax on groceries that was previously levied will now stand suspended for the remaining fiscal year. Based on the estimates made by officials, this will save taxpayers up to $400 million through July 1, 2023. Aside from this, the budget will also freeze the state's fuel tax at 39 cents a gallon through Jan. 1, 2023.
"We end this legislative session with enormous and historic victories for the people of Illinois: Gas, grocery, and property tax relief, more support for local government than ever before, a massive improvement in staffing for our nursing home residents, short and long term debt reduction, and a balanced budget for the fourth year in a row," Gov. Pritzker said Saturday, according to NBC5.
Alerts Sign-up