West Central Reporter

State Sen. Jil Tracy (R-Quincy) said she does not like that Gov. J.B. Pritzker's entire budget is predicated on a tax increase.

"Just two years ago we had Illinois' largest income tax increase in the state and I don’t think Illinoisans need another tax increase," Tracy said. "If they’re going to remain in the state they don’t want to see any new taxes."

Tracy said while Pritzker delivered a good speech and tried to remain positive, she disagrees with the Governor's tax increase plan after the state had already undergone a recent tax increase.

"If (citizens are) going to remain in the state they don’t want to see any new taxes," Tracy said. I think it’s a tragedy. I think we have good revenue and take the cuts that Deputy Gov. Dan Hynes asked each agency last year—which weren’t even mentioned today—with 6.5 percent per agency, you would have the money the pension system requires, money for education and Medicare and Medicaid."

Tracy said the state should be where it needs to be without new problems.

"That’d be how I would solve our fiscal crisis," Tracy said. "People don’t want to see new taxes. I’d put education on a high priority and focus on that. If we don’t get that tax increase these areas are held hostage and we don’t need that."