For the first time in years, lawmakers have been able to view a budget ahead of having to vote. The problem is that it’s not the final version. There’s just a slight discrepancy of over $2 billion.

With only days remaining before the scheduled May 31st adjournment of the Illinois General Assembly, Senate Republicans are warning taxpayers to expect another rushed state budget filled with record spending, possible tax hikes, and little transparency.

State Senators Seth Lewis (R-Wheaton), Don DeWitte (R-St. Charles), Chapin Rose (R-Mattoon), and Sally Turner (R-Lincoln) criticized the budget process during a Capitol press conference, arguing that lawmakers are routinely asked to vote on thousands of pages of budget language late at night with little time for review. They also raised concerns about proposed new taxes and the elimination of certain business incentives to support growing state spending.

Senator DeWitte noted that while Republicans have participated in budget discussions throughout the spring, they fear they will once again be shut out as final decisions are made behind closed doors. He warned that lawmakers may not see the final budget language until the overnight hours of May 31, despite being expected to vote on thousands of pages of spending legislation almost immediately afterward.

Senator Lewis emphasized that Senate Bill 2512, a 3,178-page document outlining approximately $53.7 billion in spending, is not actually the final budget lawmakers will vote on. He pointed out that Governor JB Pritzker’s proposed budget is closer to $56 billion, leaving more than $2 billion in spending unaccounted for in the publicly filed legislation. Lewis warned that taxpayers will likely see hundreds of additional pages of spending provisions and possible tax increases appear at the last minute. He argued that Illinois families and small businesses do not make major financial decisions “in the middle of the night,” and state government should not operate that way either.

Senator Turner criticized several tax proposals currently being discussed in Springfield, including a new digital advertising tax and the elimination of biodiesel tax incentives. Turner argued that these policies would ultimately raise costs on consumers, small businesses, truckers, and farmers who are already struggling with inflation, rising utility bills, insurance costs, and economic uncertainty. She warned that Illinois families are demanding affordability and responsible budgeting, not additional taxes and higher fuel prices.

Senator Rose blasted what he described as years of “budget chicanery” in Springfield, accusing Democrats of relying on gimmicks, fund transfers, and hidden spending to prop up increasingly unsustainable budgets. Rose noted that state spending has increased by roughly $16 billion since Governor Pritzker took office and questioned “how much is enough” for taxpayers already struggling under rising costs and some of the highest taxes in the nation. He also predicted that many of the proposed tax increases being discussed now could return later during veto session or lame duck session after the November elections.

The senators also raised concerns about continued cuts and prorations affecting local governments and schools, arguing that many of those costs ultimately get shifted onto property taxpayers. Republicans called for a budget that promotes economic growth, fiscal discipline, transparency, and long-term stability rather than another year of record spending, budget gimmicks, and tax hikes.

Take ACTION: Click HERE to contact your State Senator and State Representative to urge them to oppose any budget filled with hidden spending, tax hikes, budget gimmicks, and last-minute backroom deals. Demand a transparent, fiscally responsible budget process that respects taxpayers, protects working families, and restores public trust in state government. The people of Illinois deserve better than another reckless spending spree at their expense.

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This content was composed and finalized by the author.
IFA staff and AI tools were used for proofing and clarity.