Hoffman Backs Balanced Budget Plan, Cuts Bureaucracy, Looks to Prepare Illinois for Future

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Jay Hoffman, D-Swansea, backed a balanced budget plan Saturday that responsibly cuts government bureaucracy while prioritizing support for education, strengthening public safety and better preparing Illinois to handle economic uncertainty due to actions in Washington.

“This measure respects taxpayers by carefully managing our resources and focusing on the issues that directly affect families,” Hoffman said. “Inconsistent tariff plans and a reduced federal role with issues we’re typically partners on has pushed us to be more creative. I’m optimistic that we’ve positioned ourselves to address future challenges while still expanding opportunity and moving us forward.”

Under the Hoffman-backed measure, more than $190 million in state government administrative cuts have been identified, helping to prioritize needed funding for classrooms, healthcare and other issues that affect families day to day. In anticipation of additional uncertainty caused by Washington, the plan also sets aside reserve funds that can be accessed during contingencies.

Hoffman this session spearheaded passage of the “Road Safety and Fairness Act,” an update to road test requirements that raise the age in which older adults must take a behind-the-wheel driving test from 79 to 87 along with other safety enhancements. He also led efforts to strengthen prevailing wage rules for workers, and backed plans to provide property tax relief and expand affordable prescription drug access.

“Metro East families don’t care about political games, they expect results that improve the community and create a better future,” Hoffman said. “This has been a productive session, but additional work lies ahead of us. Let’s continue to work together to build a stronger Illinois that offers greater opportunity for everyone.”

For more information, please contact RepJayHoffman@gmail.com.