The spring legislative session has come to a close, and once again Illinois families are left with more of the same: higher spending, bigger government, and fewer reasons to believe relief is on the way. This week I share my post-session address and explain why I voted NO on the largest budget in Illinois history—a staggering $55.9 billion spending plan that does nothing to address the root causes driving families, jobs, and opportunity out of our state. I'll also discuss the Chicago Bears' decision to pursue relocation to Indiana, highlight a revealing exchange on the House floor when I asked Democrat lawmakers a simple question—"What is a woman?"—and provide updates on several other issues affecting the future of Illinois. At some point, enough is enough. The people of Illinois deserve better than endless spending, political distractions, and policies that continue to move our state in the wrong direction.
Brad
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Friday’s announcement from the Chicago Bears that they are moving forward with plans to relocate to Hammond, Indiana is as a wake-up call for Governor JB Pritzker & the Illinois Democrats.
Whether you are a football fan or not, this is about more than a stadium. It is another example of Illinois losing out while neighboring states aggressively compete for jobs, investment, and economic development opportunities.
For years, Illinois has struggled with high taxes, burdensome regulations, and an increasingly difficult business climate. Today’s announcement is a reminder that those policies have consequences.
The Bears have called Illinois home for more than a century. The fact that they are seriously pursuing a move across the state line should prompt some honest reflection about the direction of our state and what it will take to remain competitive in the future.
State Representative Brad Halbrook (R-Shelbyville) released the following press release after the Illinois General Assembly passed the $55.9 Billion FY2027 State Budget at 4:00 AM on Sunday morning.
“This is the same old story as it is every year: Democrats wait until the last minute to pass major legislation while hiding behind the cover of night. Illinois families, businesses, and communities are absolutely tapped out and cannot afford the nearly $1 billion in new taxes and fees included in the FY2027 budget.”
Halbrook continued by commenting on his concerns with the approximately $410 million dollars included in the budget for illegal immigrants, which includes $40 million dollars for Illegal Immigrant welcoming centers.
“Despite President Trump’s accomplishments securing the border, Governor Pritzker and Illinois Democrat Lawmakers are still showing more concern for illegal immigrants than they do for actual Illinois taxpayers.”
The lawmaker from Shelbyville concluded by expressing frustration with the FY2027 budget including funds for the failing Commission on Equity and Inclusion.
“This Spring I was aligned with an increasing number of lawmakers, both Republican and Democrat, who were concerned with the failing Commission on Equity and Inclusion. Despite the echoes of bi-partisan concerns, legislative leadership included $5.6 million of dollars to the commission, despite the lack of results and transparency.”
Democrats deny reality again as they refuse to recognize that there are only two sexes. In this latest episode, they passed a bill requiring menstrual support at construction work sites for women and “people who menstruate.” I will not let them play word games with biological reality.
Listen Here
Governor Pritzker and his Supermajority Democrat party set a new spending spree record passing a more than 3,700 page budget at the wee hour of 4:13 a.m., June 1st. The record-setting $55.9 BILLION budget for fiscal year 2027 was largely financed by more tax hikes.
Here are the Democrat ‘solutions’ for raising revenue to cover their grotesque and irresponsible spending:
$300 million corporate tax hike from capping net-operating-loss deductions
$200 million in social media fees
$60 million in digital asset taxes
$50 million to $60 million from decoupling from the federal Qualified Small Business Stock Exclusion
$5 million from taxes on ‘fantasy contests’
$200 million to more than $800 million from a Targeted Advertising Services Tax
$185 million in fund sweeps
In addition, Democrat lawmakers gave themselves a 3.2% raise, increasing their salaries to over $100,000 (for a part-time job). This is in addition to the stipends they receive for leadership positions and ‘per diem’ pay they receive for travel when they are asked to attend work in Springfield.
The state budget will still remain fundamentally unbalanced, but you can read more about all of the terrible decisions that were made here:
Read More From Illinois Policy HERE
This article puts Democrats’ disturbing addiction to taxes on full display:
Read More From Center Square HERE
Illinois is much more than endless fields and city skylines. There are countless scenic drives that will take you through river bends, quiet roads, beautiful bluffs and small towns.
The legendary Route 66 reaches its 100th year in 2026, and it turns Illinois into a living time capsule for our state with sandstone canyons, rolling hills, roadside diners and a landscape that is constantly changing.
This article highlights Rt 66 and 10 other noteworthy drives that will show you a surprising side of Illinois that you may not have imagined!
https://everafterinthewoods.com/must-take-scenic-routes-in-illinois-for-2026/
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