State Representative Amy Grant (R-Wheaton) raised concerns on June 1 regarding the passage of Illinois’ FY2027 State Budget, citing record spending levels and new tax increases as significant issues for taxpayers.
The Governor’s proposed budget totals more than $55.9 billion, marking it as the largest in state history and relying on approximately $800 million in new taxes and revenue increases. “When I first came to Springfield in 2019, the state budget was about $38.5 billion,” said Amy Grant. “As I prepare to cast my final budget vote before retiring, the FY2027 budget proposal has grown to roughly $56 billion. That is nearly a 50% increase in just over seven years.”
Grant highlighted that Illinois’ population has remained largely unchanged during this period. “During those years, Illinois’ population has barely changed — growing by only about 0.4%, from approximately 12.67 million to 12.72 million residents,” Grant said. “Most of that modest growth is due to recent international migration, offsetting the many Illinois families who have chosen to leave our state because they could no longer afford it.”
Grant said taxpayers deserve a budget focused on fiscal responsibility rather than continued government spending growth: “You cannot justify a 50% increase in spending when our population is essentially flat and working families are struggling with higher costs of living,” Grant continued. “Illinois taxpayers deserve a responsible, balanced budget that prioritizes core services while reducing spending and protecting families from higher taxes.”
“I remain committed to using my final year in the State House to advocate for a sustainable budget that protects taxpayers and reverses the damage caused by years of bad public policy that has hurt our economy,” Grant added.
Grant was elected as a Republican representative for Illinois’ 47th House District in 2023, replacing Deanne Mazzochi, according to RepGrant.com.
