Illinois statehouse Republicans say the governor’s proposed budget is based on “pixie dust,” holds sectors of the state “hostage,” and isn’t balanced.
Governor J.B. Pritzker proposed a $42 billion spending plan on Wednesday. Of that, $1.4 billion would be held in reserve, depending on if taxpayers approve a progressive income tax with higher rates on higher earners in November. House Minority Leader Jim Durkin says the governor’s tact is poor.
He says that’s not the way to budget and the governor’s budget with that element isn’t balanced because there is no progressive income tax.
Voters will decide on the progressive income tax in November. The next budget begins before that, on July 1.