Peoria Standard

State Rep. Bill Hauter (R-Peoria) is questioning the delay by Democrats in unveiling a budget. 

“Still no word on the budget and how Illinois is going to spend $50 billion of the people’s money,” Hauter said on Facebook. Hauter’s comment came after Illinois General Assembly extended the legislative session after convening on May 20 without a budget.

House Minority Leader Tony McCombie (R-Savanna) said the budget process was not open to the House GOP which as a super-minority has very limited ability to affect change. “Illinois Democrats have the largest majority in history and yet can not abide by their own set schedules,” McCombie said Friday evening. “This failed effort was despite our own efforts with offers to help to be part of the process and bring true solutions to Illinois families."

The budget was scheduled to be passed by Friday, May 19 at midnight. The General Assembly has until May 31 to pass a budget prior to the upcoming fiscal year that ends June 30. Democrats sent notice to legislators on Friday that the session was being extended regarding the $50 billion budget negotiations. Legislators will next be in session May 24-26 when a final budget is expected.

Revenue has dropped significantly for the state, which saw a loss of $1.8 million since last year. The Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability reported the state’s income tax saw a significant decrease in 2022 accounting for the plummeting state revenues. "Things are still going OK. It’s just that the performance in fiscal year '22 was so sensational or exceptional, that it was just difficult for us to have that same result in fiscal ‘23," Eric Noggle, revenue manager for the Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability, told Fox News.

One point of contention is spending over the free Medicaid for migants program. Medicaid for noncitizens is worth nearly $1 billion of the projected budget of $50 billion. The program is for those aged 42 and older. Democratic lawmakers sought to lower that bar to those 19 years old and older in the session but failed.

Also at question is the future of the Invest in Kids Act. The Tax Credit Scholarship Program allows for donors to receive a tax benefit for donating to a state- maintained scholarship program for private schools for low-income families. The fund, which provides backing for around 9,000 children to attend private schools, is set to sunset on Dec. 31 if not extended by the General Assembly. 

Republican lawmakers wrote a letter urging continuation of the program.

“We the undersigned members of the Illinois General Assembly are expressing our support of the extension of the ‘Invest in Kids’ Scholarship Fund,” the signatories wrote. “This is a shared priority of both caucuses which benefits the education of underprivileged children. We look forward to the sunset of this program being extended.”