Northwest Illinois Republican lawmakers react to Gov. JB Pritzker’s budget address

Republican lawmakers representing northwest Illinois had negative reactions Wednesday to Gov. JB Pritzker’s plan to suspend the annual increase in motor fuel taxes and roll back a 1% state grocery tax

In a year in which Pritzker is running for re-election, the governor gave his fourth state budget address on Wednesday from the Old State Capitol. He outlined his proposal for the fiscal year that begins on July 1, which among other things would prevent a 2.2 cents per gallon tax increase and would roll back a 1% state grocery tax for the next fiscal year.

State Sen. Brian Stewart, a Republican from Freeport representing the 45th District, said a “fiscal winter” lays ahead for the state.

“He is proposing to give Illinois families short-term, one-time relief, instead of the meaningful tax reforms they need,” Stewart said in a news release.

Stewart, who had a career in law enforcement, said the governor was “throwing money at governmental programs instead of holding violent criminals accountable and protecting our communities and police officers.”

State Rep. Tom Demmer, a Dixon Republican who represents the 90th District and is an announced candidate running for state treasurer, released a YouTube video of his reaction.

“Illinoisans should pay attention to a couple of things,” Demmer said. “First, it’s a re-election year and Gov. Pritzker is trying to paint a very rosy picture of the state’s finances. Keep in mind, this is the same person who just a year and a half ago, was spending a fortune of his own money trying to convince Illinois voters to approve a $3 billion tax increase, and he followed that by proposing over a billion in tax increases for Illinois businesses.”

State Sen. Neil Anderson, a Republican from Moline who represents the 36th District, also called for long-term solutions to tax relief and support for police. Anderson tied the state’s fiscal health to federal COVID-19 relief.

“While he touts a ‘fiscally responsible’ budget, what he failed to mention was the $2.5 billion government expansion, which will fall on the back of hard-working Illinoisans once the Biden Bucks run out,’ Anderson said in a news release.

State Rep. Sue Rezin, a Republican of Morris whose 38th District extends into Bureau County, said the governor touched on universal issues such as increased investment in childhood development, MAP grants and higher education. But she wants permanent tax credits and tax relief that lasts more than a year.

“If we continue to play games and do the bare minimum, our state will continue to witness residents leaving in droves,” she said in a news release