Letter to the Editor: Rather than improve conditions for Illinois, Pritzker promotes himself on national stage

At a time when Illinois families are cutting back to make ends meet, Democratic leaders in Springfield are pushing a $6 billion tax hike to fund massive government expansion, including what would be the largest state budget in Illinois history.

Gov. JB Pritzker’s proposed budget is nearly $15 billion larger than when he first took office. Now, Democrat leaders want taxpayers to foot the bill through a series of new and expanded taxes, including hikes on digital advertising, capital gains, corporate income and estates.

Illinois already carries the highest overall tax burden in the country. These new taxes would drive up consumer costs, discourage investment and make it even harder for family-owned farms and businesses to survive.

My colleagues and I also are sounding the alarm over plans to funnel some of the new revenue into expanding government benefits, including programs for people who are in the United States illegally.

Democrats are pushing tax hikes, growing government and prioritizing programs that hurt the very people they claim to represent. It is time to double down on efforts to stand up for working families and fight for lower taxes, more opportunities and a future where people can afford to stay in Illinois.

Also, as working families across Illinois face mounting economic challenges, Gov. Pritzker has launched a new national tour aimed at elevating his political profile instead of addressing the critical issues affecting his constituents at home.

While the governor travels the country and seeks favor with political insiders, Illinois families continue to bear the weight of some of the highest property taxes in the nation, a financial strain that many simply cannot afford. At the same time, Illinois has the highest unemployment rate in the Midwest, falling further behind neighboring states that are attracting jobs and investment. Rather than leading the charge of creating economic opportunities and improving conditions here, Gov. Pritzker appears more interested in promoting himself on the national stage.

Under Pritzker’s leadership, Illinois also has experienced one of the fastest rates of population loss in the country, as families and businesses alike flee to states where life is more affordable and opportunity is within reach. The state’s economic outlook now ranks a dismal 46th in the nation, painting a clear picture of failed policies and missed opportunities.

Rather than focusing on solutions to lower costs, creating jobs and keeping families rooted in Illinois, Gov. Pritzker has chosen to prioritize cable news appearances and scoring political points on a national stage.

Illinois deserves a leader who is committed to putting our state first, not one who uses his office as a steppingstone.

State Sen. Jil Tracy
50^th Senate District
Quincy, Illinois