In May, the Illinois State Legislature passed the state’s first on-time budget in four years. 

It is a good thing that civility was demonstrated in Springfield and that that there will not be a budget impasse in the state this year. However, there are still issues with the state budget because it does nothing to address long-term problems such as pension reforms and government consolidation.

Tonia Khouri has addressed these budget concerns in public statements, which were recently covered by DuPage Policy Journal. She has also joined other reform-minded legislators and candidates in calling for a change in Springfield’s culture.

Here is the original story as reported by DuPage Policy Journal:

Khouri says new budget does not address state’s ‘long-term fiscal problems’

Republican state House candidate Tonia Khouri worries that the newly enacted $38.5 billion state budget isn’t everything it’s being sold as.

“While I appreciate the civility demonstrated in Springfield… I see a few problems with declaring an all-out victory,” she posted on her website.

Khouri said chief among her concerns is the growing belief that the so-called balanced budget might not really be balanced.

The Illinois Policy Institute estimates that projections could already be as much as $1.5 billion out of balance.

Khouri, who is running against Democrat Katrina Villa to replace Rep. Mike Fortner (R-West Chicago) in the 49th House District, worries that may just be the start of all the shortcomings.

“It does not include a spending cap, which would protect taxpayers from lawmakers appropriating more spending (and more tax dollars) during the year,” she added on her website. “It does not address any long-term fiscal problems and does not address reforming pension benefits for new hires going forward.”

Khouri added the new budget lacks property tax relief for homeowners and needed changes, such as workers’ compensation reform, pension reform and regulatory reform.

“We need property tax relief, governmental reforms and accountability in Springfield, and we need them now,” Khouri added. “Or the exodus will continue.”

This story originally appeared in DuPage Policy Journal on June 9, 2018, and was written by Glenn Minnis

“I’M GOING TO SPRINGFIELD TO DEFEND OUR HOMES, REPRESENT THE PEOPLE’S INTERESTS AND STOP THE RAISING OF PROPERTY TAXES.”

Illinois is Worth Fighting For (Video)

For more information: Read about Tonia Khouri, her experience, leadership, stand on the issues and her endorsements.