Dupage Policy Journal

Republican state House candidate Tonia Khouri worries that the newly enacted $38.5 billion state budget isn’t everything it’s being sold as.

“While I appreciate the civility demonstrated in Springfield... I see a few problems with declaring an all-out victory,” she posted on her website. 

Khouri said chief among her concerns is the growing belief that the so-called balanced budget might not really be balanced.

The Illinois Policy Institute estimates that projections could already be as much as $1.5 billion out of balance.

Khouri, who is running against Democrat Katrina Villa to replace Rep. Mike Fortner (R-West Chicago) in the 49th House District, worries that may just be the start of all the shortcomings.

“It does not include a spending cap, which would protect taxpayers from lawmakers appropriating more spending (and more tax dollars) during the year,” she added on her website. “It does not address any long-term fiscal problems and does not address reforming pension benefits for new hires going forward.”

Khouri added the new budget lacks property tax relief for homeowners and needed changes, such as workers’ compensation reform, pension reform and regulatory reform.

“We need property tax relief, governmental reforms and accountability in Springfield, and we need them now,” Khouri added. “Or the exodus will continue.”