Springfield, IL….House Republican Leader Jim Durkin (R-Western Springs) today criticized majority House Democrats for advancing a state budget that spends more than $3 billion than anticipated revenues for Fiscal Year 2015.  The 73 bills passed by Democrats on Thursday all but guarantee the permanency of the income tax.  “There will be nothing balanced in this Democrat budget,” said Durkin.

“The budget passed by Democrats today ignores the constitution, and ignores the taxpayers.  It’s what is wrong with state government,” said Durkin.  “Nothing in this budget will put the unemployed back to work – it will do just the opposite while the migration of families and business will continue.”

Back in February, the Illinois House in bi-partisan manner voted in favor of House Joint Resolution 80 establishing a revenue estimate of $34.5 billion for Fiscal Year 2015. A few weeks later, the Governor presented his budget address and stated the need to make permanent the ‘temporary’ income tax of 2011.  The House Speaker and Senate President quickly sided with the Governor on his proposal.

“We negotiated the revenue resolution in good faith, but it quickly became apparent that Democrats were set on continuing their tax and spend ways.  Today, Democrats approved 73 budget bills that spend more than we are expected to receive in revenues next fiscal year.  Not only is it reckless and irresponsible, our state constitution requires the General Assembly to pass a balanced budget each spring.  The budget passed today is not balanced.”

Leader Durkin has sent a letter requesting an Attorney General opinion regarding the constitutionality of an appropriation of public funds in a state budget, where the appropriations listed in the budget exceed the funds estimated by the General Assembly for that fiscal year. 

House Democrats are expected to pass further budget bills next week and the total spending number is expected to climb and could reach a record high of $38 billion before adjournment.   

“House Republicans stand for hardworking families, small businessman and women and our largest employers – the job creators.  Today we opposed the reckless spending of taxpayer money and we will oppose any attempts to extend the ‘temporary’ income tax increase,” said Durkin.