Inside:
- State revenue down by $21 million in May
- Not too late to join the summer reading program!
- Around the 71st District
- More news
State revenue down by $21 million in May
Just days after Illinois Democrats rammed through the largest spending bill in state history, the state’s fiscal watchdog reported that Illinois revenue was down by $21 million in May.
Declines occurred in individual income tax revenues and a few other areas. Individual income tax payments had been growing since the end of the COVID pandemic, which had in turn fueled growth in state spending. However, with Illinois’ job growth stalling, individual income tax receipts – which are closely tied to statewide hiring and employment – can be expected to stall as well.
The record-setting $55.9 billion state budget which was passed at 4 a.m. on the last night of session, relies on an assumption that these individual income tax receipts will continue to grow. I voted No because not only does this budget spend too much and raise taxes, but it is built on that faulty assumption: that we can always count on tax revenue to increase. On Tuesday the Governor signed the budget into law.
Illinois must return to fiscal responsibility, living within our means, and base our budgets on realistic estimates of available revenue – not more tax increases!
Not too late to join the summer reading program!
71st District students in kindergarten through 5th grade still have time to join my summer reading program, Read All About It: America 250!
Students who read eight books during their summer break will receive an official Illinois House of Representatives certificate and an invitation to an ice cream party at the end of the summer. But because we are celebrating our country’s 250th birthday this summer, there will be a special additional prize for any student who reads at least one book about American history as part of their summer reading.
Visit my website for the official rules and an entry form. You can also pick up entry forms at any 71st District library. The program ends on July 31, so there is still plenty of time to get started.
Readers make leaders!
Around the 71st District
With the legislative session concluded, it is great to be back in the 71st District attending events and visiting with neighbors.
On Saturday we traveled through Bushnell and enjoyed the monthly breakfast hosted by the VFW. It’s always a great full breakfast. We then went to Good Hope, had a second breakfast served by the West Prairie boys basketball team at the United Methodist Church.
Later in the afternoon, I attended Andover Days. The Osco/Andover Fire Department served pork chops and my church, Alpha Baptist Church, served baked goods and ice cream. We all enjoyed listening to Orion Community Band.
Thank you to the Orion VFW & American Legion for the Memorial Day service!
More news
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OSF doctor to men: ‘It’s time. This is the month. Just do it.’
Illinois free fishing days this weekend
Honor Flight of the Quad Cities to host reunion
WIU announces Quad City Symphony Orchestra performance at Goldfarb Center for Performing Arts