As Governor JB Pritzker prepares to deliver his budget address on Wednesday, Illinois Republican leaders are urging him to focus on fiscal responsibility and sustainable solutions for the state’s financial challenges.

State spending has grown at a rapid pace under Governor Pritzker, largely fueled by federal COVID funds and one-time revenues. Now Illinois is facing an estimated $3 billion budget deficit.

During the previous year, the Governor balanced the budget while signing into law around a billion dollars in tax hikes. Meanwhile, the state has been spending more than $1 billion per year on programs for non-citizens, including free healthcare.

During media appearances, the Governor had said that tax hikes were off the table but has softened his stance in recent weeks.

Senate Republicans fear that the Governor plans to once again raise taxes on Illinois families to cover reckless spending programs. The people of Illinois are already struggling and is calling on the Governor to commit to not raising taxes.