East Central Reporter

Blaine Wilhour, representative for Illinois House District 110, said that Democrats unveiled the largest spending plan in state history on May 30 but were unable to answer questions or fully explain the details of their budget.

"Last night, Democrats dropped the largest spending plan in state history in a 3,000+ page amendment," said Blaine Jacob Wilhour, State Representative for 110th District (R), according to Facebook. "The proposal was heard in Executive Committee last night where our members called for clarity on the many issues that would affect Illinois taxpayers. Democrats could not answer our questions and seemingly didn't know what was in their own budget. Illinoisans deserve to know that their representatives are working in their best interests."

The deadline to pass the state budget with a simple majority was May 31; otherwise, a three-fifths majority in both houses will be required starting June 1. Since Governor J.B. Pritzker unveiled his proposed budget and priorities in February, revenue projections have been reduced by $536 million, bringing the estimated revenue to $54.9 billion, according to a Capitol News Illinois report. The initial state spending plan was $55.2 billion before the revenue cuts, with significant increases primarily in education and healthcare and pensions.

Screenshot of State Representative Blaine WIlhour's May 31 Facebook post | State Representative Blaine Wilhour's Facebook page

Even if Illinois passes its state budget, the state could still face impacts from the upcoming federal budget, which proposes cuts to Medicaid, education, and clean energy programs. According to the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services, Illinois receives funding from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to support Medicaid, which covers more than 3.4 million residents. Of those enrolled at the end of the 2024 fiscal year, 44% were children, 9% were seniors, and 7% were adults with disabilities.

Illinois Policy reports that the largest increase in the proposed budget is a $514 million boost for public sector pensions, including an increase to the Tier 2 pensionable salary cap. Education spending would rise by $308 million, while economic development funding could face a $325 million cut. Additionally, there may be new taxes or spending measures to address Chicago’s Regional Transit Authority’s $771 million budget shortfall as it looks to the state for support.

Rep. Wilhour has served the people of the 110th District since 2019. He is a lifelong Illinois resident who served in the Illinois Army National Guard from 1999-2005 and deployed to Europe in 2002 as part of Operation Enduring Freedom, according to his official biography. His political career includes a term on the Fayette County Board. He is also a managing partner at his family’s post-frame construction company in Effingham County.