North Cook News

Rep. Tom Morrison (R-Palatine) recently criticized Democrats for passing a budget that touts tax relief despite Democrats having raised state taxes in the first place.

“When you hear about temporary gas, grocery, & sales tax relief in this year’s state budget…keep in mind it’s an election year," Morrison posted on Facebook. "Keep in mind who raised those taxes so high in the first place."

According to WIFR, the Illinois legislature passed the FY 2023 budget on April 9 early in the morning. The Senate passed the budget of $46.5 with a vote of 34 – 19 and it was passed by the House with a vote of 72 – 42. The new budget grants $8.8 billion for Human Services, $1 billion for the rainy day fund of the state, $2.2 billion for public safety, and $12 billion for education spending.

The new budget will suspend the 1% sales tax on groceries and will also fix the motor fuel tax at 39 cents per gallon, according to NBC5. It also includes up to $300 property tax rebates for each household. The Democrats praised the budget for its commitment to being balanced besides its impact on the taxpayers.

According to WAND, the Republicans have been critical of the new budget. 

“This budget includes $1.6 billion in pork projects in Democrat-only legislative districts," Rep. C.D. Davidsmeyer (R-Jacksonville) said. "These include all sorts of things like a ‘pilot program’ for a guaranteed minimum income for women in East St. Louis.”