It’s been a very busy week in Springfield. This week’s edition of the Windhorst Weekly features my reaction to Governor Pritzker’s annual State of the State and Budget Address delivered on Wednesday. I’ve also got news and notes from a press conference I participated in to announce issue-based working groups aimed at improving public policy throughout the State of Illinois.
My office stands ready to serve and connect residents of the 117th district with services they need from the State of Illinois. Please do not hesitate to contact my office if I may ever be of service to you.
Rep. Windhorst Says Governor’s Spending Plan May Lead to Broken Promises and Tax Increases
Watch my video reaction by clicking on the picture!
SPRINGFIELD – Following Governor Pritzker’s combined State of the State and Budget Address on Wednesday, State Representative and House Republican Floor Leader Patrick Windhorst (R-Metropolis) says he is concerned the Governor’s spending plan could lead to broken promises.
“Because federal pandemic relief funds have been reduced significantly, state revenues are expected to decline, but in his speech today, the Governor proposed the creation of new programs and expansion of existing programs,” Windhorst said. “With a recession expected in the coming months, I am concerned that revenues will fall further, and that promises to spend more money on expanded programs could lead to one of two things: empty promises or future tax increases.”
Windhorst notes that state revenues are expected to decline by 2.8% ($1.4 billion), but the Governor proposes to create new programs and expand existing programs to spend 7.9% ($2.75 billion) more money in the FY24 state budget.
“Increasing spending while revenues are dropping makes little financial sense, especially while families are struggling under the weight of record inflation, gas prices, and energy prices that are out of control,” Windhorst said. “The budget process must be conducted in public, with adequate time to review the budget line by line. The people of Illinois deserve transparency and financial discipline.”
###
Rep. Windhorst to Lead House Republican Public Safety Working Group
SPRINGFIELD — House Republican Leader Tony McCombie (Savanna) was joined by several members of the House Republican caucus today in Springfield to unveil legislative priorities for the 103rd General Assembly. Leader McCombie announced the creation of five working groups to produce actionable solutions to some of Illinois’ most pressing issues. The five Republican working groups include the following:
- Sustaining & Protecting At-Risk Kids: to protect children in the state’s care from abuse and neglect
- Supporting Women and Families: to make Illinois a place where families can move and grow for generations
- Reigniting Illinois’ Strong Economy: to improve Illinois’ business climate, while still protecting workers and using our strengths – geography, workforce, and resources – to bring job creators and opportunity home
- Literacy Improves Future Endeavors: to address learning loss, improve reading literacy, and restore Illinois students to a place where they are competitive in today’s world
- Improving Public Safety: to make our neighborhoods safe again, protect law-abiding citizens, and respect law enforcement
The working groups are each chaired by House Republican members, which include State Representatives Tom Weber (Fox Lake), Jackie Haas (Kankakee), Dan Ugaste (Geneva), Dave Severin (Benton) and Patrick Windhorst (Metropolis). The working group chairs will spearhead the progress of these top issue areas with input from policy experts and residents across the state.
“Republicans are here to work and these groups reflect not only that commitment but also our governing priorities,” said Leader McCombie. “We are ready to be part of the solution on some of our state’s biggest challenges. These working groups represent a beginning step toward solving the problems impacting residents throughout Illinois.”
“I am grateful to receive the appointment from Leader McCombie to serve as the head of the House Republicans Public Safety Working Group,” Windhorst said. “The important work of improving public safety, increasing the ability of our police and law enforcement officials to effectively do their jobs, and restore a system of justice that punishes criminals and advocates for victims rights. I look forward to the important job that this working group has ahead of it and especially to leading those efforts.”
McCombie chose to unveil these priorities ahead of the Governor’s annual State of the State and Budget Address to outline issues House Republicans believe are most imperative to solve.
###
Stay Connected!
My office in Harrisburg is open Monday through Friday to serve the residents of the 117th district.
State Representative Patrick Windhorst
2 N. Vine Street, Suite 5A
Harrisburg, IL 62946
(618) 294-8703 – phone
Windhorst@ILHouseGOP.org – email
RepWindhorst.com – web