Reitz Calls for Balanced Budget, Responds to Governor’s Budget Address

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Nathan Reitz, D-Steeleville, released the following statement in response to the governor’s budget address:

“While significant progress has been made to build a stronger state for Southern Illinois families, there is still much more work to be done to get our state back on the right track. I am advocating for fiscal responsibility and calling for a balanced, bipartisan budget.

“There are tough decisions ahead to build a stronger Illinois and get our state’s finances in check. Families across our region contemplate moving across the river to escape Illinois’ immense tax burden, so fighting for fairer taxes for our families and bringing true property tax relief to local homeowners are my top priorities. I refuse to support a budget plan that balances on the backs of middle-class families, seniors and other vulnerable residents.

“While our state faces an enormous backlog of unpaid bills, it is critical to prioritize paying off old debts while still funding critical services like Meals on Wheels, education and public safety, and keeping our promise to pensioners by making full pension payments.  I will continue working to build a stronger Illinois by passing a balanced, bipartisan budget that prioritizes the needs of working and middle-class families in Southern Illinois.”