East Central Reporter

Blaine Wilhour, a prominent political figure, has recently expressed his views on various issues concerning Illinois through a series of tweets. These tweets address topics ranging from education to budgetary concerns in the state.

On June 3, 2025, Blaine Wilhour criticized Governor Pritzker's stance on prioritizing Illinois students at the University of Illinois. He stated, "BS @GovPritzker. Tell this to the thousands of good Illinois students who flee to the SEC because University of Illinois doesn’t prioritize IL students." He further urged support for his legislation aimed at ensuring that by 2030, 90% of students at the university are from within the state.

Two days later, on June 5, 2025, Wilhour announced legal action taken by the Illinois Freedom Caucus against what he described as a flawed budget process. In his tweet, he declared: " BREAKING The Illinois Freedom Caucus has filed suit against the flawed Budget." He criticized it as being "the largest budget in Illinois history—a bloated, backroom deal rammed through without real debate."

On June 6, 2025, Wilhour addressed fiscal responsibility within the state's budget. He claimed credit for an idea included in the budget that aims to save taxpayers billions and critiqued certain pension reforms. His tweet stated: "The only fiscally responsible item in Illinois’ budget is an idea taken from me—saving taxpayers billions." He emphasized caution regarding Tier 2 pension reforms and suggested covering gaps only in rare cases.

### Additional information for Step 3:

Blaine Wilhour is a member of the Republican Party and serves as a representative in the state legislature.