Democrat lawmakers approved the largest budget in state history, even after the state collected a record $54 billion in tax revenue. The new spending plan includes nearly $1 billion in additional tax hikes and a series of short-term budget gimmicks that Republican lawmakers say point to a serious spending problem in Springfield.

Over the past six years, government spending under Governor Pritzker has ballooned by nearly 40 percent. Meanwhile, families across Illinois continue to struggle as the cost of living increases.

Despite the record-breaking revenue stream, Democrat lawmakers still pushed for more during the most recent spring legislative session, floating a list of tax proposals that would have affected people across the state. Tax ideas discussed included a $1.50 delivery tax on everything from groceries to baby formula, a tax on everyday services, like car repairs or haircuts, and a mom-and-pop digital ad tax that would have punished small, family-owned businesses. While those ideas did not make it into the final budget, Republican lawmakers warn that they are still under consideration by Democrats.

Senate Republicans say that instead of asking for more from taxpayers, Governor Pritzker and his Democrat allies need to get serious about responsible budgeting, living within their means and protecting taxpayers.