Yes, Gov. Pritzker compared the Trump Administration to Nazis in his Budget Address. That red meat played well with the national media and “far-left.” But that certainly wasn’t the focus for progressives under the Capitol Dome in Springfield after the governor’s speech….
For months, everyone wondered how Gov. Pritzker was going to pull a rabbit out of a hat. The state budget was facing a $3.2 billion shortfall for the coming fiscal year. Would he recommend spending cuts? Tax increases? Gov. Pritzker was vague. “We’ve overcome hurdles before,” he always seemed to say. Turns out, Gov. Pritzker’s team had been eying something interesting in the state’s revenue stream. It actually showed a budget deficit half the projected size. The governor could make a few other fixes to plug the rest of the deficit.
So he sprung the happy surprise of his balanced budget plan with no new taxes this past Wednesday when giving his Budget Message to the full General Assembly. He made their day. They were relieved. Sure, he didn’t do anything on the state’s high debt problem. We still have the worst debt in the nation and pension obligations we don’t know how to meet. But no new taxes and a balanced budget plan for the coming fiscal year?
No sooner had the governor left the chamber, though, many Democrat legislators saw the reality. The Latino Caucus was upset that the governor zeroed out the free health care benefits for illegal migrants to balance the budget. The Black Caucus was furious when they found the budget overlooked their needs and demands. They weren’t happy. Gov. Pritzker had kept most everyone at bay for months. Now they knew why.
Progressive Democrats have a pile of funding requests higher than Dagwood’s deli sandwiches. And they are fervent about them. Now they have to fight to claw back what they normally get in the budget? It didn’t go over well.
The Republicans were incensed, too. Gov. Pritzker may have patched the deficit. But he somehow found money to actually increase the budget from $53 billion to $55 billion and not a dime was in there to reduce taxes on businesses. So for the next few months, we’ll see the far-left fighting for more money. TMA will be fighting against new taxes that would have to fund those budget items. We will also keep fighting to reduce the tax burden and state regulations on small and mid-sized manufacturing. In the madness, there is still hope. Actually, a Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) is exactly what the State of Illinois needs. I’m pretty sure we’d find more than enough waste, fraud, and inefficiencies to get out of this budget mess. But DOGE is not possible in this current state government. However, with a lot of work, holding the line on taxes and eking out small victories here and there is at least possible.
TMA ADVOCACY PRESS RELEASE
The following statement on behalf of TMA members was distributed to the press following Illinois Governor Pritzker’s Budget Address last week.
Illinois Lawmakers Could Learn Financial Discipline
from Small and Midsize Manufacturers
TMA Responds to the Governor’s Budget Address
SCHAUMBURG, IL – The Technology & Manufacturing Association (TMA) responded today to Governor JB Pritzker’s 2025 budget address, expressing concerns that small and midsize businesses will again bear the brunt of funding the state’s budget deficit:
“Governor Pritzker may be touting a balanced budget after a miraculous finding of $2 billion in state revenue 24 hours ahead of the budget address, but a closer examination reveals we’re still in a budget deficit and our small and midsize manufacturers can’t afford to bear the burden.
“We all know our budget is not as balanced as it’s being sold and it’s time we examine inefficiencies within state operations and make the tough cuts that are necessary for a sustainable future. Our members operate on lean budgets, improving efficiency and delivering high-quality American-made products. Our state decision makers could learn a thing or two from the financial discipline practiced by Illinois’ small and midsize manufacturers.
“In recent weeks, we’ve been encouraged by the major developments at the federal level aimed at reducing waste and lowering budgets. Those actions proved it’s not just essential, but it’s possible, and Illinois lawmakers should follow suit instead of fighting against it.
“TMA calls on state government leaders to reject policies that create an undue burden on employers and to prioritize pro-growth measures. For manufacturers, rising costs due to excessive taxes and regulations make it harder to expand operations, invest in their workforce, and create new jobs. We must aim to be a state that fosters opportunity, not stifles it.”
CULTIVATE RELATIONSHIPS | INFLUENCE PUBLIC POLICY | ADVOCATE FOR YOUR BUSINESS
Click the video (right) to watch Illinois House Minority Leader Tony McCombie speak about the importance of TMA members inviting lawmakers into their plants.
Every small and midsize manufacturer is impacted by the laws, regulations, and policies passed in the halls of state capitols and local government offices. Accordingly, it is critical that manufacturers engage policy-makers by hosting them at their facilities.
Hosting legislators helps develop valuable relationships. It also provides an opportunity for you to influence public policy by explaining to your guests the day-to-day struggles and concerns that impact your company and industry.
HOW IT WORKS
TMA makes it easy. We will work directly with you or your staff to determine which legislators or candidates you would like to host. We’ll handle the invitations, and be onsite (if you wish) to assist you with introductions, conversations, and logistics.
It’s simple – just email us HERE. We’ll take it from there.
TMA LEGISLATIVE SCORECARD
TMA provides members annual Legislative Scorecards and regular public policy updates and briefings to educate lawmakers and the manufacturing community about industry-related legislation and candidate/legislator voting records. Click on the graphic right to view our 103rd Illinois General Assembly Legislative Scorecard.
TMA ELECTION CENTER
In the upcoming municipal election on April 1st, TMA members have the opportunity to vote for those who will lead your local governments. Municipal officials are the elected leaders closest to the people who levy property taxes, set water and sewer rates and other user fees, and enact ordinances that have a major impact on residents and business operations.
With so much at stake, it is vital to learn about the races and candidates who will impact you, your family, and your business. Visit TMA’s election center HERE.
TMA PAC
TMA provides members a PAC through which they can multiply the impact of their political investments by collectively leveraging their donations with other members in order to increase and amplify their influence and enhance candidate/elected accountability.
The purpose of the TMA PAC is to elect to office candidates committed to consistently and aggressively advancing and supporting public policy that supports small and mid-size manufacturing through limited government, reduced regulation, lower taxes, free markets, and fairness.
The TMA PAC allows small and mid-size manufacturers to collectively invest and magnify their campaign donations in order to benefit from the inherent advantages of working as part of a group. Contribute HERE.
