Dupage Policy Journal

The spring legislative session concluded on June 1, with State Representative Amy Grant (R-Wheaton) returning to DuPage County after five months in Springfield. Grant provided an update on the session's outcomes.

A $55.2 billion state budget was passed with only Democratic support, introducing $1 billion in new taxes. This follows last year's $1 billion tax increase and raises spending by another $2 billion, marking a nearly 40% growth under Governor Pritzker over six years.

Grant highlighted concerns about the budget: "Promised increases for early childhood education fell short," and some school districts lost property tax relief funding. Additionally, public safety measures include training for only 100 new State Police cadets. Funding changes will reduce direct care services for people with disabilities by about 300,000 hours. A new program allocates $40 million to support services for undocumented residents.

A controversial public transit bill backed by Chicago interests did not pass. It proposed shifting control of regional transit boards to Chicago and adding a $1.50 delivery tax on most items delivered statewide. Grant opposed this proposal: "I fought hard to stop this unfair proposal and will keep working to protect suburban and downstate taxpayers if it returns later this year."

On a positive note, Grant announced over $10 million in transportation enhancement grants for her district: "Projects include new sidewalks and trails in Warrenville and DuPage County and a new bridge in Blackwell Forest Preserve." These projects aim to improve community safety, access, and quality of life.

Looking ahead, some proposals like taxpayer funding for a Bears stadium move and legalizing assisted suicide did not pass but may resurface this year. Grant assured constituents she would monitor these issues closely.

State Representative Amy Grant is serving her third term representing the 47th district in the General Assembly, which includes several communities in DuPage County such as Naperville, Warrenville, Glen Ellyn, Wheaton, Lisle, Carol Stream, Bartlett, West Chicago, Winfield, and Wayne.