East Central Reporter

Sen. Jason Plummer (R-Edwardsville) described Gov. J.B. Pritzker's Feb. 15 State of the State Address as “frustrating.”

“Frustrating…another missed opportunity for Governor JB Pritzker. Our state continues to lack the executive leadership we need to address the real needs of Illinois families,” Plummer said on Facebook with a link to his initial reaction.

In the address, Pritzker spoke about fiscal progress, saying that though Illinois was once drowning in overdue bills to the tune of $17 billion, it is now a state that pays its bills on time. He highlighted the turnaround of Illinois, speaking of the ability to pass four balanced budgets in a row after spending years without one. He also praised the administration’s work to have $2.3 billion in a rainy day fund after years with no cushion at all. He also said Illinois has vastly improved its credit.

“Our fiscal progress is remarkable. Remember the $230 million in College Illinois debt? Paid,” Pritzker said. “Remember the $900 million in group health insurance debt? Paid. How about the $800 million Thompson center liability? Paid. $4.5 billion Unemployment Trust Fund debt? Paid. The $1.3 billion debt owed to Illinois’ treasury funds swept by previous governors? Paid.”

Pritzker also spoke of Smart Start Illinois, a child education program consisting of  pre-K, childcare, early intervention and home visiting. The four-year program will increase the state’s funding for the Early Childhood Block Grant program by $75 million, he said. 

The entire speech text was included in a WQAD report.

Plummer said he thinks state spending can be judged by transparency, discipline, and priorities. He accused Pritzker of trying to avoid transparency in his administration, and said that this aligns with how he spends taxpayer money. 

“His administration has consistently had record spending levels, largely based on federal money and other one-time revenues,” Plummer said in a release posted on his website. “Those revenues are disappearing, yet budget-busting spending continues, showing a complete lack of discipline. It is also a real missed opportunity to fix some of the underlying issues impacting our status as a state in terrible fiscal condition. While funding has been increased nearly across the board, we are still seeing constant issues with the agencies tasked with caring for our most vulnerable citizens, which means the money is not being prioritized where it is needed most. We have a moral obligation to do better.”

Plummer was elected to represent the 54th Senate District in 2019. He is the vice president of R.P. Lumber and R.P. Home and Harvest, which are family owned and operated businesses with more than 100 locations throughout Illinois and six other states.