Schmidt’s Spotlight: Energy, Transparency, and Commonsense

Illinois Needs Real Budget Transparency, Not Excuses

Governor Pritzker is blaming Washington for a crisis he created in Illinois. Since taking office, he has increased state spending by roughly 40% and just signed the largest budget in Illinois history.

"I'm very disappointed in the Governor's decision to sign the FY26 budget. The record-breaking $55.2 billion budget that's filled with gimmicks, revenue sweeps and nearly $1 billion in tax hikes sets Illinois up for failure in FY27. This budget will lead to more financial burdens on working families who are struggling and does not reflect the needs of Illinois residents."-Rep. Kevin Schmidt

Transparency first. House Republicans have demanded real transparency across agencies and the budget process, including time to review billion-dollar bills and clear accounting of dedicated funds. The current process hides the ball and fails taxpayers.

Agency mismanagement. Shining a light on agencies would help fix services for Illinoisans and target funding where it actually works. Even Senator Andy Manar asked agencies on May 7, 2024 to identify $800 million in collective savings. Not a single cut was presented for public review.

The result. Illinois families were handed a $55.2 billion FY 2026 budget, about $2 billion higher than last year, along with $1 billion in tax hikes and fund sweeps. This showed little restraint and ignored the very "threat to our fiscal condition" the Governor talks about. The so-called "balanced" plan leans on fund sweeps, delayed rainy-day deposits, and cuts to priorities like education, public safety, and property tax relief.

Where to cut, today:

● Migrant spending

○ HBIA elimination noted, but HBIS still funded at $110 million

○ $40 million for Welcome Centers, reduced from $140 million but still significant

○ $40 million for Immigration Integration

○ $35 million for immigrant services such as legal support

● Pork projects

○ "Fund for Illinois' Future," a partisan slush fund, receives a $370 million GRF transfer and sweeps from other funds, with a $420 million balance

○ $40 million for Proviso Township High School District 209, in Speaker Welch's district, for capital improvements and an outdoor sports complex at Proviso West

Bottom line. This crisis did not start in D.C. It is the product of years of unchecked spending, gimmicks, and a closed-door process in Springfield. House Republicans stand ready with concrete cuts and a transparent, line-by-line budget review that protects taxpayers and focuses on core services.

Gov. Pritzker likes to criticize others for dangerous rhetoric, but he must have forgotten some of his own heated words.

Pritzker's Executive Order

Gov. Pritzker called on all state agencies to reduce spending by 4%- blaming the federal government for his own failed policies.

House Republicans have offered numerous solutions over the years to make state government more efficient and save taxpayers money, yet the governor refuses to work with us.

JB Pritzker is spending billions of taxpayer funds on illegal immigrants and millions on NGOs. Illinois has a spending problem, it's that simple.

Schmidt Supports Using ALL Resources to Lower Energy Costs

High energy costs are eating into family budgets across Illinois. House Republicans are fighting to lower the cost of energy bills and ensure all Illinoisans have access to affordable, reliable energy. I support using all available sources of energy to keep costs down for Illinois residents, including coal and natural gas. Elected officials in Illinois must take action on reforming energy policies now. We have answers, now we need bipartisan support and action. This issue could be addressed during veto session, but we will see what the Democrats focus on.

Here are the answers to lowering energy costs in Illinois:

HB1544- This bill amends the Environmental Protection Act and extends deadlines by 5 years for reduced or zero carbon dioxide emissions.

HB1545- This bill amends the Environmental Protection Act and extends deadlines by 10 years for reduced or zero carbon dioxide emissions.

HB1546- This bill amends the Environmental Protection Act and extends deadlines by 5 years for reduced or zero carbon dioxide emissions by certain electric generating units and large greenhouse gas-emitting units that use coal as a fuel.

HB1547- Extends deadlines for reduced or zero carbon dioxide emissions by 10 years for certain EGUs and large greenhouse gas-emitting units.

SB76- Expands new nuclear power plants

Mobile Office Hours- October 7

State Representative Kevin Schmidt will be hosting his Mobile Office Hours Events and he wants you to join! This is a great opportunity to discuss state legislature and what you would like to see from legislators in Illinois.

Rep. Schmidt YouTube Videos

Here is State Representative Kevin Schmidt's Official YouTube Playlist.

Deer Season

all is officially here and that means deer season is around the corner. Archery season opens October 1 in Illinois with firearm season to follow.

More info about deer hunting : https://dnr.illinois.gov/hunting/deerhunting.html

114th District Map