House Assistant Republican Leader C.D. Davidsmeyer and House Republican Conference Chair Jeff Keicher outlined on May 22 the budget priorities for Illinois House Republicans as the May 31 deadline for the spring legislative session approaches.
The discussion comes as lawmakers face increasing fiscal pressures and debate over state spending, with Republicans emphasizing concerns about affordability for families in Illinois.
Davidsmeyer, who co-chairs the bipartisan Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability, said that revised revenue estimates show the Governor’s proposed fiscal year 2027 budget is between $700 million and $900 million out of balance. “Based on revised revenue estimates, the Governor’s proposed FY27 budget is $700 million – $900 million out of balance, and there has been no ‘April Surprise’ to bail out Democrats’ overspending this time,” said Davidsmeyer. “On Governor Pritzker’s watch, state spending has increased by $16 billion, a 40% spending hike. He’s raised taxes and fees 57 times and wants to take even more money out of the pockets of hardworking families this year. Despite spouting off talking points about affordability, the reality is Illinois families cannot afford the Democrats’ ‘Tax, Spend, Repeat’ budget plan. House Republicans are focused on making Illinois a more affordable place to live, work, and raise a family.”
Keicher said that instead of considering further tax or fee increases, lawmakers should focus on fiscal reform and reducing wasteful spending. “Illinoisans are taxed out, and they want their state government to live within its means,” said Keicher. “That means our starting point has to be a state budget without more tax increases. We must be honest about where our limited resources go. Illinois must prioritize public safety and our most vulnerable citizens, our seniors, our children with disabilities, and our families in crisis.”
He continued: “Our caucus is focused on delivering a state budget that addresses the real concerns Illinois families face every day: lowering costs, bringing down energy prices, improving public safety, and restoring accountability and ethical leadership in state government. It’s time for Democrats to change course, rein in spending, and produce a responsible budget that lives within our means instead of asking taxpayers to continue footing the bill.”
Keicher was elected as a Republican representative to serve Illinois’ 70th House District in 2018 after replacing Robert W. Pritchard,according to Ballotpedia.
As negotiations continue before session adjournment at month’s end, both leaders called for changes aimed at balancing fiscal responsibility with support for essential services.
