West Central Reporter

At a news conference at the Capitol, Assistant Republican Leader C.D. Davidsmeyer expressed strong criticism of the Democratic supermajority in the Illinois General Assembly. He focused on what he described as bad bills and misplaced priorities.

"Illinois is facing significant problems with our budget, with public safety, with high taxes and the high cost of living," said Rep. Davidsmeyer. "With the State of Illinois facing a $1.2 billion budget shortfall, Democrats are pushing bad bills that will make Illinois’ budget problems even worse."

Davidsmeyer referenced recent projections from the Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability (CGFA), which he co-chairs. The CGFA's FY 2026 Economic Forecast and Revenue Estimate and FY 2025 Revenue Update projected a $737 million state budget shortfall for FY26 and an additional $500 million shortfall for the current fiscal year.

An audit by the Auditor General highlighted that taxpayer-funded healthcare for illegal immigrants cost up to 286% more than estimated by the Pritzker Administration. "The State has spent more than $2.2 billion in taxpayer funds on free healthcare benefits for illegal immigrants," Davidsmeyer stated. "I am sponsoring legislation to end this massively expensive program."

Davidsmeyer criticized Democrats' immigration policies, linking them to federal policy under President Biden: "Due to the failed Biden open border policy, we have more than 530,000 illegal immigrants residing in our state." He also announced his intention to repeal the TRUST Act and end Illinois’ sanctuary state policy.

He accused Democrats of doubling down on these policies through proposed legislation such as House Bill 2706, which would restrict local law enforcement cooperation with federal immigration authorities, and House Bill 3780, which aims to provide universal health care regardless of immigration status.

On fiscal matters, Davidsmeyer warned against SJRCA 4: "SJRCA 4 is another progressive income tax increase," he said, referencing a similar measure rejected by voters in 2020.

Other Democratic proposals criticized by Davidsmeyer included HB 3518 to legalize prostitution, HB 1594 to protect obesity as a class, and various environmental initiatives like grocery bag bans.

"None of these bad bills will reduce the cost of living for our families," concluded Davidsmeyer. "Democrats should stop tripping on magic mushrooms...and start focusing on the real needs of Illinois families."

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