Governor Pat Quinn delivered his annual budget address to a joint session of the General Assembly, calling on the legislature to approve an $8.75 Billion borrowing plan in addition to $1.7 Billion in new spending for the new fiscal year which begins July 1.
Deputy Republican Leader and State Representative Tim Schmitz (R-Batavia) gave his reaction to the Governor’s budget plan on February 17th, citing concern over spending increases and misplaced priorities on the need for budget cuts.
“The Governor is asking us to support $8.75 Billion in new borrowing and $1.7 Billion in new spending on the heels of the largest tax increase in Illinois history,” Schmitz said. “It’s like if you get a bonus at work and you go out and purchase a new house and a new car; after you’ve spent the bonus, you still have a mortgage and a car payment. By asking us to sign off on billions in new borrowing and more spending, the Governor is virtually ensuring that last month’s income tax increase will be made permanent.”
“We should focus our efforts on working together to pass meaningful pension reform to reduce skyrocketing costs; enact workers’ compensation reform to foster a more business-friendly environment in Illinois, and eliminate unnecessary perks like the luxury fleet of state aircraft for elected officials,” Schmitz added.
The 49th District includes portions of Batavia, Geneva, and St. Charles along with a portion of Elgin and Dundee Townships and all of Plato, Rutland, Burlington, and Hampshire Townships.
Representative Schmitz can be contacted through his District Office in Geneva by phone at (630) 845-9590.
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