Lawmakers proposing state budget ideas with session nearing a close

Posted on May 28, 2021
State Sen. Don DeWitte. (Photo courtesy: Dave Dahl/WJBC)

By Dave Dahl

SPRINGFIELD – With the redistricting debate taking up so much of the oxygen in Springfield, don’t forget about the state budget.

The legislature, scheduled to adjourn Monday, must pass a budget which takes effect July 1.

A pair of news conferences Thursday provided some ideas. “Our caucus is committed to fighting for continued and increased funding for immigrant immigration programs such as welcoming centers,” said State Rep. Dagmara Avelar (D-Bolingbrook). But, she added, “the Latino community is not a monolith. Our experiences are not one-dimensional.”

Later, State Sen. Don DeWitte (R-St Charles) said “closing corporate loopholes” sounds better than it is. “The governor’s change of heart on incentives he agreed to and promoted shows us just how insatiable his party’s appetite is for more revenue and more spending,” he said.

Senate Republicans say revenue is sufficient – billions more than expected, actually – to carry the Fiscal Year 2022 budget with no tax increase.

Dave Dahl can be reached at [email protected]. 

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