SPRINGFIELD - Despite Illinois’ overwhelming deficit, on March 10 Governor Pat Quinn presented a budget that State Senator Dale Righter (R-Mattoon) said increases taxes, spending, and borrowing. Without his proposed multi-billion dollar borrowing program, the Governor’s budget proposal is out of balance by almost $5 billion.
Additionally, the Governor also advanced a 33 percent increase on the state income tax rate, from 3 percent to 4 percent. However, Senator Righter stressed that this $3 billion increase would raise twice the revenue the Governor stated was necessary.
Watch Senator Rigther's response to the Goveror's budget address
Righter legislation requiring “pay as you go” process approve by Senate
Springfield, Illinois— A day after the Governor addressed the General Assembly concerning the Illinois budget, the Illinois Senate passed three key pieces of legislation sponsored by State Senator Dale Righter (R-Mattoon) to create a “pay as you go” process.
Senate Bill 3086 creates the Education and Budget Impact Note act, which mandates that if an education related bill proposes new program, the State Board of Education must prepare a statement that details the fiscal impact it has on the State Board of Education. Additionally, the legislator sponsoring the bill must set forth his or her plan on how to fund the program.
“The basic fiscal principle that we must pay for that which we spend, followed by individuals, families, businesses and local governments is one that has beenoften ignored for years in Springfield,” Righter noted. “The multi-billion dollar deficit this state faces is largely a result of governors and legislative majorities’ unwillingness to live within the taxpayers’ means. If enacted, these proposals could force the legislators who promote new programs without any way to pay for them to restrain themselves.”
Senate Bills 3086,3087 and 3088 now proceed to the Illinois House of Representatives for consideration.
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Watch Senator Righter on Fox Chicago talking about the Governor's budget address
Righter: Governor’s proposed budget plan missing systematic changes necessary to control government spending
Springfield, Illinois—In a 30 minute presentation to the General Assembly Wednesday, Governor Quinn outlined a solution to Illinois’ dire fiscal situation. State Senator Dale Righter (R-Mattoon) said the proposed budget misses the mark on what is imperative for balancing the budget.
Among other items, Governor Quinn’s proposed plan includes another $5 billion in borrowing with no clear repayment plan and a 33 percent income tax increase characterized by the Governor as a “surcharge for education.”
“The Governor and Democratic leadership have used federal stimulus money as a way to increase expenditures for education,” stated Righter. “Those funds were temporary. Illinois schools are now in a critical situation in part because there wasn’t a plane to replace those funds.”
Senator Righter expressed disappointment in the Governor for excluding in his speech the important subject of Medicaid reforms, as well as other critical changes.
“Unsustainable growth in Medicaid has “crowded-out” other important programs. It is past time we take a look at how to properly restructure Medicaid and get a handle on its growth,” said Righter.
The Governor made mention of the program “Illinois JobsNow!” that seeks to increase jobs in Illinois but made no other mention to how to better create a job creation environment.
“There have been 250,000 jobs lost in the last 12 months in Illinois, which equals 658 jobs a day.” explained Righter. “Other than a tax credit, there was very little in the speech to give employers any confidence that the state is going to become job friendly.”
