West Central Reporter

Assistant Republican Leader C.D. Davidsmeyer expressed his disappointment with Governor JB Pritzker's State of the State and Budget Address, which was delivered to a joint session of the Illinois General Assembly in Springfield. In his statement, Davidsmeyer criticized what he perceived as political rhetoric in the Governor's speech.

"I am extremely disappointed in the rhetoric and blatantly political overtones of the Governor’s speech today," Davidsmeyer stated. He accused Governor Pritzker of focusing more on attacking former President Trump than addressing plans for balancing the budget, reducing costs for families, and tackling corruption issues highlighted during former Speaker Madigan's trial.

Davidsmeyer urged the Governor to engage more with residents outside urban areas. "If the Governor would take the time to get to know the good people downstate, he would stop using supercharged rhetoric like calling Republicans 'Nazis.' He should spend a little less time preaching to the liberal choir and more time listening to normal people."

The proposed budget is described as the largest in Illinois state history at $55.2 billion, marking an increase of nearly $2 billion from last year. Davidsmeyer noted that since Governor Pritzker took office, state spending has increased by over $15 billion, representing a 38% rise.

Davidsmeyer also addressed House Bill 1456, which he sponsors, aimed at ending taxpayer-funded healthcare benefits for illegal immigrants. He was surprised by what appeared to be support from Governor Pritzker but pointed out that the proposal only targets adults aged 42-64 while maintaining benefits for illegal immigrant seniors.

"There’s no way the Democrat supermajorities in the House and Senate will agree to eliminate this massively expensive program that they created during the COVID special session five years ago," said Davidsmeyer. He suggested that this proposal might serve as leverage for Democrats to consider raising taxes on families once again.