Illinois State Representative Jason Bunting announced on April 24 a series of legislative updates affecting the state’s budget, education funding, and redistricting process.
These issues impact how resources are distributed to schools, the fairness of political representation in Illinois, and the overall financial health of the state.
Bunting said he voted against a proposed constitutional amendment that would change how legislative district maps are drawn in Illinois. He said Illinois already has “some of the worst, most partisan-gerrymandered legislative district maps in the country” and cited a Princeton Gerrymandering Project rating giving Illinois an F grade. According to Bunting, “The maps are so bad that in 2022, Republicans actually received a majority of the popular vote for the House of Representatives but ended up winning less than 35% of the seats.” He added that if enacted, this amendment “will make that process even more partisan than it already is.” The proposal passed through the House mostly along party lines and must now pass in the Senate before going to voters at November’s election. Bunting also noted that House Republicans had proposed an alternative plan involving a bipartisan commission but said it was ignored.
On education funding, Bunting highlighted that Illinois has not opted into a federal Education Scholarship Tax Credit program which could provide up to $1 billion for school scholarship funds if adopted by December 31. He explained that while other states have joined this program—allowing taxpayers to receive tax credits for donations—Illinois students risk missing out unless lawmakers act soon. According to recent polling and referenda results reported by Bunting, there is strong public support across multiple counties for joining this initiative.
Addressing state finances, Bunting referenced findings from the Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability showing general funds revenue increased by $233 million in March compared with last year due largely to personal income taxes and public utility taxes. However, he cautioned against using short-term gains as justification for higher spending given warnings about growing structural deficits related particularly to health care costs for state employees and retirees—which are expected to rise nearly 10% next year.
Bunting also recognized Tara Bedei (mayor of Streator) and Aindrea Hogan (Grundy County Economic Development Council’s Vice President) who represented his district at this year’s Women to Watch Conference hosted at the Capitol by House Republican Leader Tony McCombie.
Bunting was elected as a Republican representative for Illinois’ 106th District in 2023 after replacing Thomas Bennett according to available information.
