McLean County Times

In this issue:

Another big-spending budget passed in the dark of the night

Carbon capture bill passes, most rural House members vote No

Go for the Gold summer reading program

Illinois headlines

Another big-spending budget passed in the dark of the night

State Representative Bunting reported that a significant state budget was approved during late-night sessions, marking his second spring session at the Capitol. The budget, which did not receive any Republican votes, raises taxes by over $750 million and increases spending by more than $2 billion compared to last year. It includes a pay raise for politicians and allocates $182 million for non-citizens, making it the most expensive state budget in Illinois history.

"Democrats were so determined to ram through a tax increase at 4:30 a.m. that when the first vote failed, they called for a second vote," Bunting stated. "When it failed as well, they waived the House rules and voted for a third time."

House Republicans advocated for lower taxes and no additional spending while ensuring adequate funding for education and addressing state agency mismanagement but were excluded from participating in the budget process.

Since 2020, state government spending has increased by more than $13 billion. The recent budget bill (SB 251), introduced late on Memorial Day weekend Sunday night, was voted on early Wednesday morning. Critics argue that this process lacked transparency.

The budget package also makes several changes to tax law, including improved incentives for film producers in Illinois but does not address estate tax reform for Illinois farmers.

Carbon capture bill passes, most rural House members vote No

A bill establishing a permitting process for carbon capture projects in Illinois passed both legislative chambers and awaits the Governor's signature. Representative Bunting joined other rural House members in voting against it.

"This was an extremely difficult vote," Bunting said. "I believe this technology can work and will bring benefits to our area, but I am also very concerned about the way that this bill was hurried to a conclusion while people with valid concerns were excluded from the discussion."

The bill underwent last-minute amendments related to dental insurance regulation (SB 1289) before its swift passage. Concerns include public safety issues related to pipelines and potential impacts on local water sources.

"I hope that more work will be done to further strengthen the safety requirements," Bunting added.

Go for the Gold summer reading program

Representative Bunting announced a “Go For The Gold” summer reading program targeting Kindergarten through 5th-grade students. Participants are challenged to read eight books over summer break. Interested parties can download forms online or pick them up at local libraries or Bunting’s district office.

Completed forms should be submitted by July 30, 2024. Successful participants will receive an official certificate and an invitation to an ice cream party at summer's end.

Our current bill backlog

As of now, Illinois has unpaid bills totaling $750,402,366 submitted to the Comptroller’s office awaiting payment. This figure fluctuates daily; last year at this time it stood at $917 million. This does not account for unfunded debts like pension liabilities exceeding $100 billion.

Illinois headlines

- How Illinois’ more than 400 bee species are supported by native plants – and how you can help them too

- Springfield-area judge halts new state elections law: Here’s what you need to know

- Youth police camp offers a challenging, life-changing week for Illinois teens

- Paxton to be home to rare model of centerpiece sculpture of National World War I Memorial