Reis Says No to $300 Million Tax Increase

May 31, 2007

Springfield….State Rep. David Reis (R – Ste. Marie) voted to oppose the FY ’08 budget proposed by House Democrat Leadership late Wednesday night. Relying on a $300 million dollar tax increase, the $53 billion proposal was crafted without Republican input near the end of a long and bitterly contentious spring session. The introduction, proposal, debate, and passage of the 900 plus page budget took place in a matter of hours, a practice Reis and his fellow Republicans have labeled shameful.

“This budget wasn’t even heard in the proper appropriation committee,” Reis protested, “There is no accountability here. No reasonable person could be expected to digest a 900 page document in the 2 hours we were given. I am as disappointed as ever with the Democrat leadership in this state. It is a real shame what you are doing to Illinois’ working families,” Reis said, directing his comments toward the Democrat side of the aisle during the raucous debate. Reis joined several House Republicans in criticizing the budget for its lack of focus on priorities important to working families.

“Southern Illinois’ families and seniors are suffering because their budgets have been destroyed by outrageous electric rates and gas prices. Where is the relief?” Reis demanded. Rising energy costs have put a major strain on families across southern Illinois, and the budget stops short of honoring repeated requests for relief both at the gas pump and for higher electricity costs.

Rep. Reis also expressed frustration that the tax and spend plan does nothing to increase front line corrections officers in Illinois’ prisons. Throughout the spring, House Republicans have taken issue with various budget proposals offered by Democrat leadership in the House, Senate and Governor’s office that sought to scale down corrections staff. “We should be doing everything we can to keep the men and women who guard dangerous criminals safe, and this budget does nothing to address the current shortage of front line guards,” Reis said.

Another glaring problem with the Democrat budget plan according to Reis is that nothing is being done to address the current multi-billion dollar Medicaid backlog. “Our healthcare providers are going to continue suffering under the massive weight of the millions of dollars they are owed by this state, and that is just wrong,” said Reis. The budget must now pass the Democrat-led Senate and be signed by the Democrat Governor, both of which could alter the proposal with last minute line-items, or Reis fears, more tax increases. “At this point we can only hope that this is the end of the tax hikes, but I hope the Senate President and the Governor realize that the people of Illinois cannot afford to pay any more taxes,” he said.