State Senator Paul Schimpf (R-Waterloo) released the following statement after Governor Pritzker’s budget address:

“While appreciate the Governor’s stated commitment to provide funding for schools, universities, and infrastructure projects, much of his plan seems to rely on many of the same budgetary gimmicks that got us into the dire financial circumstances that we are in today. I believe Illinois needs to live within its means, and practice responsible budgeting. We should be looking to trim expenses to match revenue instead of missing pension payments and raising taxes.”

“The budget address is, however, the first major step in the budget making process, and nothing is set in stone yet. I am hopeful that negotiations can lead us to a responsible, fair, balanced budget, if all sides are at the table.”