East Central Reporter

Senator Jason Plummer of the 54th Senate District in Illinois recently expressed his concern about the predicted budget shortfall in a Facebook post. 

Jason Plummer, who joined the Illinois Senate in 2019. Outside his legislative work, Plummer is the nbsp; vice president of R.P. Lumber and R.P. Home and Harvest, family-owned and operated businesses with over 100 locations throughout Illinois and six other states.

He added that the State of Illinois is neglecting its core functions and failing the people. He criticized the Governor's priorities, stating that the State must prioritize the needs of its residents.

"It's almost like some people might have predicted this budget shortfall was going to happen... " Plummer said. "It's a shame Governor JB Pritzker prioritizes his presidential aspirations and outlandish spending demands of radicals over the common-sense warnings of more sober-minded individuals."

Plummer's post was in response to a Center Square article that discussed the forecasted drop in revenue for the State. The article also quoted State Representative Joe Sosnowski, who highlighted the importance of prioritizing the needs of Illinoisans in the budget. He noted that it is expected to cost a billion dollars of taxpayer money to provide health care for undocumented migrant residents in Illinois. 

"We just can’t prioritize nonresidents of Illinois when you’ve got so many costs for our current residents in infrastructure, schools, et cetera that have pressing needs," Sosnowski said.

According to the monthly brief, General Funds revenues took a dramatic turn in April 2023 as receipts fell by $1.844 billion compared to the same month the year prior. Personal Income Taxes contributed greatly to the decline, falling $1.763 billion below last April's levels, a drop of $1.507 billion on a net basis.

The Senator's concerns are not unwarranted, as the predicted budget shortfall could have significant implications for the State. Plummer emphasized the importance of prioritizing the needs of Illinoisans in the budget and called on the Governor to do the same.

In conclusion, Senator Jason Plummer highlights the concerns of many Illinoisans about the State's predicted budget shortfall. He shared the importance of prioritizing the needs of Illinoisans in the budget, and he criticized the Governor's priorities. 

"The State of Illinois is neglecting its core functions and failing the people," Plummer said. "It will be interesting to watch the gov and his political/media allies spin this disaster. Legislator says Illinoisans must be prioritized in the budget as revenue shortfall reported."

The Senator's post serves as a reminder that the State must work to address the needs of its residents in these challenging times.

The fiscal year budget is available here.