Pritzker Delivers Budget Speech; Reaction from Local Legislators

In his first budget address as Governor, Democrat J.B. Pritzker is calling for widespread reforms and changes to taxation in Illinois.

The platform is just an extension of his campaign; legalized recreational marijuana and sports betting and the subsequent taxes to go along with them.

Pritzker is still pushing for a graduated income tax, one that he calls fairer than the flat tax system currently in place in Illinois...

Pritzker says the budget and his address contained "humble honesty and some bold optimism".

Local legislators had varied reactions to the governor's remarks. 

St. Rep. Blaine Wilhour of Beecher City said he was "disappointed because we have another budget that is based on fantasy"...

St. Rep. Darren Bailey of Louisville said the address was frustrating because "all we heard about was more taxes and no pension reform"...

St. Sen. Dale Righter of Mattoon quoted Abraham Lincoln in his response, saying "you cannot escape the responsibility of tomorrow by evading it today." Righter talked with Ray Watt following the budget message...

Ray Watt also spoke with St. Sen. Jason Plummer of Belleville for his thoughts on the budget address...

The General Assembly and the Governor are required to have a state budget in place by May 1.