State Representative Jennifer Sanalitro responded to Governor JB Pritzker’s annual budget address, expressing concern about the proposed fiscal plan for Illinois. In a statement released after the governor’s speech to the General Assembly, Sanalitro criticized the approach as continuing “the same pattern we’ve seen for years — more spending, more borrowing, and not enough focus on the real reforms needed to fix Illinois’ long-term financial problems.”
She highlighted the impact of property taxes and other economic pressures on state residents. “Families across Illinois are already stretched thin under the highest property taxes in the nation. Seniors on fixed incomes are struggling to keep up with rising costs. Businesses are weighed down by regulation and taxes, and homeowners continue to carry the burden of funding schools through property taxes because the state has failed to provide adequate support,” she said.
Sanalitro referenced a recent Moody’s report from February 2026, noting that it projected Illinois’ economy would lag behind both regional and national trends this year. She stated: “Take Moody’s February 2026 credit report which tells a very different story: Illinois’ economy is expected to underperform both the Midwest and the nation this year. Job growth is flat. In fact, we are projected to lose jobs in 2026 and 2027 — the first annual decline since the pandemic.”
She continued by pointing out wage stagnation and population decline: “Illinois’ workers wages and salaries lag behind the rest of the country. Again the same trend: Other states are growing at stronger rates, while we fall behind. Just like with, our population declines as we continue to lose residents to other states.”
Sanalitro concluded her remarks by urging fiscal restraint from state leaders: “Mr. Governor and Democrat Lawmakers – When will you spend within your means like the rest of us? It’s time to start being truthful about Illinois’ financial woes — Our residents know the truth… Our residents feel the truth…. Our residents are smart and they are not falling for the lies any longer.”
Jennifer Sanalitro was elected as a Republican representative in 2023 for Illinois’ 48th House District, taking over from Terra Costa Howard. The district includes several communities in DuPage and Cook counties such as Addison, Bensenville, Bloomingdale, Carol Stream, Elk Grove Village, Hanover Park, Itasca, Medinah, Roselle, Schaumburg, and Wood Dale.
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