Rock Island Today

SPRINGFIELD – State Representative Dan Swanson (R-Alpha) expressed his reactions to Governor J.B. Pritzker’s 2024 State of the State and Budget Address at the Illinois Capitol today. Governor Pritzker unveiled a $52.7 billion state budget, the largest in Illinois history.

"I would have liked to have heard the Governor say more about fiscal responsibility and belt-tightening as a responsible way to address the state’s $775 million deficit. Instead we heard more of the same: more taxes and more spending," Swanson stated regarding the Governor's address.

Swanson also highlighted disparities in resource allocation, noting, "The Governor continues to send millions of dollars to Chicago to help fight homelessness and provide free medical care to undocumented immigrants, but we have the same needs here in Western Illinois."

Furthermore, Swanson expressed disappointment in the lack of focus on key issues, saying, "I was also hoping to hear more about fixing the mismanagement and dysfunction at state agencies, relieving local property tax burdens and taking on our pension debt. These have all been priorities of House Republicans for years, but we heard minimal details about these topics in the Governor’s speech today."

Residents of the 71st District can access additional information about the General Assembly and upcoming events on Rep. Swanson’s legislative website at repswanson.com.