METROPOLIS, IL – House Republican Floor Leader State Representative Patrick Windhorst (R-Metropolis) today criticized Governor JB Pritzker for signing Illinois’ Fiscal Year 2027 budget into law, after Windhorst voted against the $55.9 billion spending plan that contains $800 million in new tax hikes.
“Governor Pritzker had an opportunity to reject the same broken budgeting practices that Illinois families have come to expect from Springfield, but instead he chose to sign the largest spending plan in state history into law,” Windhorst said. “Rather than living within our means and prioritizing taxpayers, this budget grows government while sticking Illinois residents with nearly $800 million in new taxes and fees.”
Windhorst noted that the budget was rushed through the legislature in the middle of the night with little time for lawmakers or the public to review the nearly $56 billion spending proposal before a vote was taken.
“Illinois families are already dealing with higher costs for groceries, utilities, fuel, and property taxes,” Windhorst added. “The answer should not be another record spending budget balanced on the backs of Illinois taxpayers. We need fiscal responsibility, transparency, and a budget process that puts the people of Illinois first—not last-minute deals negotiated behind closed doors.”
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