Antioch Mayor Scott Gartner: Bloated State Budget Wrong for Illinois Communities (Antioch, IL) – The Legislature pushed through a $55.2 Billion budget that set a new record for spending, raised taxes while ignoring basic government services, according to Antioch Mayor Scott Gartner.
“This budget, pushed through under Governor Pritzker’s leadership—or lack thereof—includes more than $800 million in new taxes that directly impact hardworking Illinoisans and small businesses, while neglecting to tackle the serious financial issues that continue to cripple our state,” Gartner said. “While we face these tax hikes, essential services remain critically underfunded. Our public transportation system is projected to experience a staggering $770 million shortfall. Rather than developing a fair and effective solution, it appears that Springfield is shifting the burden onto suburban communities like ours, asking us to sacrifice vital Metra services and local investments to remedy the financial mismanagement of the City of Chicago and the CTA. This is simply unacceptable.”
Gartner also noted the budget fails to address the state’s pension crisis.
“The state’s pension crisis, which has now surpassed $140 billion in unfunded liabilities, remains unresolved,” Gartner said. “This enormous burden drains nearly a quarter of the state’s general fund, diverting crucial resources away from our schools, infrastructure, public safety, and social services. The people of Illinois are paying more while receiving significantly less. Residents across our state are justifiably angry. Governor Pritzker and his administration must recognize that we are tired of being taxed without witnessing tangible results. We are exhausted by waste, bureaucracy, and misplaced priorities. The people of Illinois deserve better.”
Gartner said the people of Illinois should not have to take a back seat to Governor Pritzker’s future political endeavors.
“Perhaps now is the right moment for Governor Pritzker to pursue his ambitions on the national stage, as what he leaves behind is a situation that has worsened since he took office,” Gartner said. “It is time for leaders grounded in common sense and accountability—not billionaires—to step up and reclaim Illinois on behalf of working families. I will continue to advocate for the residents of Antioch and strive for responsible governance that genuinely reflects the priorities and needs of our community.”
Antioch Mayor Scott Gartner: Bloated State Budget Wrong for Illinois Communities
