Illinois State Senator Robert Jason Plummer said April 8 that ‘creating ongoing programs and expenses with one-time money is insanity, and clearly the work of people who could care less about the long-term future of Illinois and its residents.’ The statement addresses Illinois fiscal practices as lawmakers prepare for the spring budget debate.
Plummer’s comments come as state legislators focus on spending priorities and revenue decisions that will shape Illinois’ financial future for the coming year. According to a Facebook post by Plummer linking to analysis on state government spending, discussions around fiscal policy continue to center on long-term sustainability for residents across Illinois.
Plummer said, ‘They use it for their political purposes and stick future generations with the bill. Under Governor JB Pritzker, spending is up over 40 percent in just eight short years. We must change this pay to play mindset in Springfield.’
Illinois state government spending has grown nearly 40 percent since Governor Pritzker took office according to data compiled by the Illinois Policy Institute. The general funds expenditure reached levels that outpace both population growth and economic expansion within the state. Officials have noted that permanent spending increases funded by temporary federal aid have contributed to projected deficits totaling nearly $21 billion over the next five years as reported in state economic and fiscal policy documents.
At least 49 tax and fee hikes have been enacted under Governor Pritzker since 2019 according to analysis by the Illinois Policy Institute. The state budget has expanded to $55.2 billion while Illinois economic growth since 2018 has lagged the national average. The Center Square reported discretionary spending by state leaders increased more than $16 billion or about 43 percent during the same period.
Illinois economy has grown just 7.4 percent since 2018 compared to 18 percent growth for the U.S. overall as detailed in Illinois Policy Institute reports. This places Illinois 45th in the nation and last in the Midwest for economic expansion during the period. State spending has increased nearly five times faster than the Illinois economy during this timeframe according to the same analysis.
Plummer serves as a businessman and president of R.P. Lumber Company in addition to his legislative role, according to his official website. He was elected to represent the 55th District and later selected as Minority Caucus Chair for the Illinois Senate Republican Caucus. His background includes service as a former Navy intelligence officer before entering public office and private business.
Plummer, a Republican, was elected to the Illinois State Senate in 2023 to represent the state’s 55th Senate District, replacing previous state senator Darren Bailey.
