E-News Update: Pritzker proposes largest budget in state history

State Rep. Ryan Spain responds to Pritzker Budget Address

State Representative Ryan Spain gave the following statement after the conclusion of Governor Pritzker's combined State of the State and Budget Address today in Springfield.

"JB Pritzker and Democrats want to gloss over their own actions, which have cost Illinois taxpayers over $16 billion over JB Pritzker's two terms as Governor," said Spain. "This is the largest budget in Illinois history. The State Budget has ballooned by 40% under JB Pritzker. Let's not pretend all Illinois' problems are new or caused by Washington, D.C.- Democrats have made a mess all on their own."

"There are pathways to better outcomes here, but almost all of those pathways involve working together, which is something the Democrats have repeatedly avoided," said Spain. "When we have worked together, we've had better outcomes in settings like the Medicaid Working Group and JCAR. But Democrats are focused on sharpening their rhetoric for campaign season, instead of doing the necessary work to navigate difficult times with support from all counties in the State."

House Republicans have a better plan. No new taxes, no more sanctuary state spending, and no more backroom budgeting that shuts the public out of the process. We need transparency, accountability, and policies that prioritize Illinois taxpayers. Illinois families deserve leaders who will fight for them, not burden them with higher taxes to cover up years of fiscal mismanagement.

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Rep. Spain discusses Pritzker proposal to strip local control over affordable housing with WEEK-TV

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On the Republican Side, Representative Ryan Spain says housing is important, too. But he wasn't impressed with the Governor's initiative, saying it takes too much control from local government.

"We should think about how our policies have driven up the cost of housing in Illinois. The high property taxes we pay and the onerous regulations that exist. We should still let local communities have responsibility for zoning decisions and other features of developing housing."

Spain added that, in his view, the speech was mostly about Pritzker's political ambitions on the national stage. He said there was a lot of talk about President Donald Trump and less about the State Budget in the Governor's address.

Around the District

Matari Coffee Co- Peoria

Congratulations to Matari Coffee on their grand opening in Peoria at Willow Knolls Shopping Center in Peoria. Wishing Matari's owner, Omar Elmadari, and his team all the best on their new brick and mortar location after great success with a food truck locally.

Matari Coffee, 4100 W Willow Knolls, Suite C2, Peoria, IL 61615

https://mataricoffee.com/locations/peoria

Komatsu North America- Peoria

Thank you to Komatsu North America Peoria GM Jim Mathis and the Illinois Manufacturers' Association for the great tour on Monday before we came down for session this week.

I appreciate House Republican Leader Tony McCombie and Tim Ruestman, who will be serving in the 105th District, joining for the tour and discussion with this great Central Illinois heavy equipment manufacturer.

Springfield Visits

I enjoyed meeting with Grace Hunt of Metamora and Nathan Vorac of Geneseo. They were in our Capitol today in Springfield with the Illinois Council of Health System Pharmacists. My friends in Henry County likely recognize the name Nathan Vorac from Vorac Pharmacy LLC in Geneseo. Great catching up with Grace and Nathan!

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