Senate Republicans remain committed in 2016 to passing a balanced and constitutional state budget and fundamental reforms to move Illinois forward and put the state back on track for more job creation, business investment, and economic prosperity, according to State Senator Bill Brady.
"For Illinois to thrive, we must pass reforms that fundamentally change the way our state does business", said Brady. "The status quo of irresponsible budgets and reckless spending simply can not continue."
Brady also expressed concern about an income tax hike, stating, "We must implement economic reforms to naturally grow state revenue-raising taxes hurts the middle class and small business without addressing the underlying causes of our state's financial problems."
A new calendar and legislative year is also the perfect time to renew a pledge for fiscal responsibility and end years of overspending beyond what taxpayers can afford. Brady stressed the need to continue pushing for reforms to change the direction of the state from the stagnation and economic loss of the recent past, to the progress and hope a new year inspires. This effort requires working closely with the Governor’s office and colleagues on both sides of the aisle. “Accomplishment requires cooperation and bipartisanship,” Sen. Brady said.
In addition to the work on a state budget, other key legislative issues in 2016 include: property tax relief; education funding and reforms that prepare young people for careers; and workers’ compensation and regulation reforms that encourage business growth and jobs.