West Cook News

Illinois House Republicans called for more transparency while watching the governor and his forthcoming budget announcement.

Republicans said they do not want the next budget based on "wishful thinking," but on solid revenue estimates, Capitol News Illinois reported. 

The GOP calls come as the current fiscal year's budget overshot revenues by billions of dollars because it relied on revenue sources that failed to materialize — like the graduated income tax that voters rejected in November.

Gov. J.B. Pritzker is scheduled to make his annual State of the State and Budget Address virtually on Feb 16.

"We have a credibility issue and a transparency issue," Rep. Tom Demmer (R-Dixon) said, WSILTV reported. "The administration needs to be more forthcoming with information for both Republicans and Democrats in the Legislature. And if they're not going to be forthcoming, we need to use the power of the Legislature to demand those answers."

Pritzker has repeatedly acknowledged the pandemic has altered the state's finances.

Republicans point out that the governor still has a constitutional duty to balance the budget, even as the state tries to recover from the strain of COVID-19.

"The Illinois Constitution cannot be more clear about the responsibilities of the executive branch," House Minority Leader Jim Durkin (R-Western Springs) said, Capitol News Illinois reported.

Pritzker's administration is willing to welcome Republican's input about how to solve the state's budget deficit, but those lawmakers point out that it's the executive branch's responsibility.

In addition, they say the administration is sending mixed messages.

After the Fair Tax was not voted in, the administration said a tax increase might have to happen, according to Demmer (R-Dixon), WSIL reported. But in a recent announcement, Pritzker said there would be no tax increases.

Late last year, the governor announced $700 million in spending cuts to state agencies.

Durkin said they haven't seen those cuts come to fruition, WSIL reported.

"Until the governor can provide us with a list of his agency cuts, we're not in a position to be able to make recommendations," Durkin said, WSIL reported. "These are his agencies. He has said he is going to make tough decisions two years ago. But, he still hasn't done that."