Dupage Policy Journal

Illinois State Representative Jennifer Sanalitro (R-Hanover Park) cast a "no" vote today against the State of Illinois' FY2025 budget, which totals $53.1 billion, marking it as the largest spending plan in state history. Rep. Sanalitro expressed concerns that the budget would adversely affect small businesses, individuals, and families within Illinois.

"This budget simply does not represent the values of my district," stated Sanalitro. "It includes more overall spending, with a substantial amount going to undocumented immigrants. This is concerning when the budget simultaneously eliminates crucial money for local governments. Our communities deserve some of this money too," she continued.

Rep. Sanalitro identified several key fiscal issues with the budget:

- **Unprecedented Spending**: The $53.1 billion budget raises questions about fiscal responsibility.

- **Salary Increases for Lawmakers**: A 5% pay raise for lawmakers is included at a time when taxpayers are already overburdened and not seeing their own salaries increase.

- **Massive Tax Increases**: The budget relies on over $1 billion in new taxes and fees, adding financial burdens on Illinois residents.

- **Non-Citizen Spending**: Hundreds of millions are allocated to non-citizens, diverting resources from essential services meant for Illinois citizens.

"The only way we can pay for this increased spending is through more taxes and fees and it is unacceptable to increase these at a time when residents are seeing higher costs of living and financial struggles of their own," said Sanalitro. "This budget leaves our own residents – individuals, seniors, veterans, and families – behind."

For more information or to schedule an interview with Representative Sanalitro, please contact 630-349-0645.

State Representative Jennifer Sanalitro serves House District 48, which includes Addison, Bensenville, Bloomingdale, Carol Stream, Elk Grove, Hanover Park, Itasca, Medinah, Roselle, Schaumburg, and Wood Dale in suburban DuPage and Cook counties.