Illinois House Republicans Slam Democrat Supermajority for Budget Shortfall and Policy Priorities (Springfield, IL) — Illinois House Republicans held a press conference today to voice concerns over what they called “misplaced priorities” of the Democrat supermajority, citing budget shortfalls, tax burdens, and controversial policy proposals as key issues facing the state.
State Representative C.D. Davidsmeyer (R-100th) led the charge, pointing to a projected $737 million budget shortfall for next year and an additional $500 million deficit for this year as signs of fiscal mismanagement. He also criticized the rising costs of taxpayer-funded healthcare for undocumented immigrants, which he claimed has exceeded initial projections by 286%, costing the state over $2.2 billion. Davidsmeyer has proposed legislation to end the program.
“What is the Democrat supermajority doing about all of the problems on our plate? Zero, zip, zilch, nothing,” said Davidsmeyer. “Instead, they’re pushing legislation that would make our policies and budget problems even worse.”
The Republican lawmakers took issue with several proposed Democrat-backed bills, including House Bill 2706, which they say would further restrict law enforcement’s ability to cooperate with federal immigration authorities. Another target of criticism was House Bill 3780, which would provide universal healthcare to all Illinois residents, regardless of immigration status. Davidsmeyer warned that such programs could cost the state “tens of billions” of dollars.
The lawmakers also opposed Senate Joint Resolution Constitutional Amendment 4, which they claimed is an attempt to reintroduce a progressive income tax, despite voters rejecting a similar measure in 2020. Additionally, they expressed disapproval of House Bill 3518, which would legalize prostitution, and legislation to recognize obesity as a protected class.
Representative Jennifer Sanalitro (R-48th) accused the Democrat-controlled legislature of prioritizing symbolic resolutions over pressing economic concerns. She pointed to the state’s high tax burden and Governor J.B. Pritzker’s proposed $55.2 billion budget, the largest in state history, as evidence of fiscal irresponsibility.
“Illinois families already face the highest state and local tax burden in the nation,” said Sanalitro. “Instead of fixing it, the governor is proposing even more spending that will only make things worse for hardworking families and businesses.”
Sanalitro promoted two Republican-led tax relief bills—one to eliminate taxes on tips and another to exempt overtime pay from taxation—but claimed that the Democrat majority has blocked both from consideration.
Representative Bill Hauter (R-87th) echoed concerns about misplaced priorities, arguing that the legislature has failed to address ethics reform, despite the recent federal corruption conviction of former House Speaker Michael Madigan.
“When the former speaker of the Illinois House was convicted on federal corruption charges, we saw no changes in ethics laws,” said Hauter. “How many more convictions do we need before we see real reform?”
Hauter also took aim at what he called “frivolous” legislation, referencing past debates on issues such as whether drivers can have dogs on their laps or whether residents can own exotic pets like kangaroos.
“We have to focus on the important things—budget, ethics, and voter disenfranchisement,” Hauter said. “Instead, we’re debating bills about petting bears.”
As the legislative session continues, House Republicans vowed to keep pushing for fiscal responsibility, ethics reform, and policies they say will ease burdens on Illinois taxpayers. However, with Democrats maintaining a supermajority in both chambers, the path forward for Republican-led initiatives remains uncertain.
Illinois House Republicans Slam Democrat Supermajority for Budget Shortfall and Policy Priorities
