Tonia Khouri has released a response to the recently passed Illinois State budget.

While I appreciate the civility demonstrated in Springfield recently approving the FY2019 budget, I see a few problems with declaring an all out victory:

1) It is unbalanced and relying on overly optimistic revenue projections (COGFA and GOMB’s estimated revenue = $37.87-$37.96B. Expected expenditures = $38.5B)

2) It does not include a spending cap which would protect taxpayers from lawmakers appropriating more spending (and more tax dollars) during the year.

3) It does not address any long-term fiscal problems (includes a pension buyout that I support; however does not address reforming pension benefits for new hires going forward).

4) It lacks any property tax relief for homeowners.

5) It lacks any economic growth reforms (workers’ comp reform, pension reform, regulatory reform).

The good news? It doesn’t raise taxes.
The bad news? It doesn’t make things any better.

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

“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.