East Central Reporter

State Representative Chris Miller (R-Hindsboro) has expressed serious apprehensions regarding Governor Pritzker's budget proposal, labeling it as the largest in Illinois history and heavily burdened with tax increases. In a recent statement, Rep. Miller highlighted the adverse impact of the budget on Illinois residents, stating, "One of the most alarming aspects of this budget is that taxpayers are hit again while Illinois has been bleeding population...It’s projected that Illinois will lose one or two more congressional seats by 2030."

Governor Pritzker's State of The State Address on February 21, 2024, has come under scrutiny, with residents feeling besieged by high property taxes and concerns over funding for illegal immigrants. Rep. Miller criticized the budget, accusing it of being a mere "taxpayer ATM for Pritzker and the Democrats." He also pointed out Illinois's unfavorable tax rates, stating that the state has the second highest property tax rate in the nation and the third highest corporate tax rate, while also allocating significant sums for welfare for illegal immigrants.

In response to Pritzker's assertion that "taxpayers’ dollars are precious," Rep. Miller affirmed his commitment to opposing tax hikes, declaring, "One thing I want to pledge to my constituents, is that I will never vote to raise your taxes."

The clash between Rep. Miller and Governor Pritzker underscores the ongoing debate over fiscal policies in Illinois, with taxpayers and legislators alike voicing concerns over the implications of the proposed budget.