Macon Reporter

State Representative Dan Caulkins (R-Decatur) issued a statement following the passage of the budget for FY 25, which begins on July 1, 2024.

“I voted no on the budget for FY 25, as it includes nearly $1 billion in tax hikes on already cash-strapped Illinoisans. It’s another year, but unfortunately the same old gimmicks, tricks, and tax hikes," Caulkins stated.

The FY 25 budget allocates $53.1 billion in spending. Caulkins highlighted that when he first took office, the budget was $36 billion and has increased by over $17 billion in six years. "And what does the state have to show for it? More people than ever are dependent on the government for medical insurance and food stamps, an unemployment rate that is among the highest in the country, and Illinoisans leaving the state in droves," he said.

Caulkins criticized the budget's focus areas: "Instead of focusing on tax relief for struggling Illinois residents and businesses, Democrats imposed a 5% pay increase for themselves and a staggering $1 billion to be spent on non-citizens."

He concluded with a call for improved governance: "The citizens of Illinois deserve a better process and a better product from their government.”