McLean County Times

Rep. Bunting's Springfield news update for April 12

In the latest update from Rep. Bunting on April 12, several key issues affecting the state of Illinois were addressed.

Regarding the state budget development, Rep. Bunting emphasized the importance of passing a balanced budget that meets the needs of state residents while spending taxpayer money responsibly. A report to the House Revenue and Finance Committee highlighted that Illinois' revenue growth was primarily driven by federal funds and personal income taxes, resulting in an overall increase in revenue compared to the previous year.

On the topic of changes to the tipped-wage law in Illinois, concerns were raised about the potential negative impact of House Bill 5345, which would require all businesses employing tipped workers to pay a $15 per hour wage starting next year. Rep. Bunting expressed worries about the adverse effects this legislation could have on workers, businesses, and customers, urging for a focus on supporting business growth and job creation.

Furthermore, Rep. Bunting mentioned a visit to Nexus-Onarga Family Healing with the new Director of the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS), Heidi Mueller, highlighting the importance of initiatives in the field of child welfare.

In addition, the update touched upon the current bill backlog in Illinois, with unpaid bills totaling over $1 billion. Notably, this figure does not include unfunded debts like the state's pension liability, which exceeds $100 billion.

The update also featured various Illinois headlines, including issues related to public safety, scholarships, university appointments, and the impact of non-citizens on Illinois taxpayers.

As developments continue in the state, Rep. Bunting remains committed to addressing these critical issues and advocating for the best interests of the Illinois community.