A Democratic Governor collaborating with Democratic legislative leaders on a budget deal? This doesn't bode well for us taxpayers, does it?

The situation in Illinois looks grim as a significant revenue shortfall is looming ahead. In the past, the state has relied on federal COVID-19 funds to soften the impact on its budgets. However, with the post-pandemic era upon us, Illinois is faced with the harsh reality of budgeting without that assistance. The legislature's Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability has drastically reduced the state's revenue projections for fiscal year 2023 by a staggering $800 million. This shift is primarily due to a sharp decline in April 2023 revenue collections, with personal income tax taking the biggest hit, dropping by $986 million.

As lawmakers strived to finalize a budget, their plan included underfunding pension obligations by $4.4 billion. This means that despite Governor JB Pritzker's assurances, the budget they pass will automatically be unbalanced. This has been a recurring problem, with Pritzker making similar claims yearly, even in his 2024 budget proposal.

Illinois Republicans have issued warnings about a potential fiscal cliff once the federal pandemic relief funds run out. They argue that Illinois Democrats have failed to address the structural problems plaguing our budget and pension crisis. Although temporary federal relief has kept state government afloat during Pritzker's re-election campaign, a crisis is looming on the horizon.

Sliding back into financial turmoil is something we simply cannot afford. The daunting pension debt of $140 billion, coupled with the growing exodus of residents and businesses from Illinois, could exacerbate our losses.

Despite the challenging fiscal landscape, it's important to recognize that these problems are solvable. Rather than viewing this crisis as a pitfall, we should see it as an opportunity to reset and rebuild a stronger, more resilient Illinois. Ending the one-party rule by Democrats is crucial, as it goes beyond just balancing the budget. It is about creating a sustainable financial future and fostering a positive business climate that will attract businesses to Illinois instead of driving them away.

Unfortunately, our Shields Township state legislators, Democrat State Senator Julie Morrison and Democrat State Representative Bob Morgan, have been part of the problem. They have not offered any solutions and have merely acted as rubberstamps for Mike Madigan in the past and now JB Pritzker. - Joe Weiss