Things have been picking up in Springfield as we continue the Spring 2024 Legislative Session. I’m excited to share with you my thoughts on the Governor’s budget proposal, some things I’ve been up to around the district, and more. Thank you for taking the time to stay informed. Read to the end to find a link to my legislative survey where you can share your thoughts with me so I can represent you to the fullest of my abilities.
Governor Delivers Largest Budget Proposal in State History
Governor JB Pritzker delivered his State of the State and Fiscal Year 2025 Budget Address to a joint session of the Illinois General Assembly.
Governor Pritzker introduced the largest budget proposal in state history. The Governor’s FY25 proposed budget would spend $52.7 billion, which is a $2.3 billion increase over the FY24 enacted budget – a 4.5% increase.
The Governor’s budget plan includes over $1 billion in additional revenue, raising taxes on Illinois families and businesses while providing minimal tax relief. Instead of proposing any substantive cuts to address the projected $775 million deficit, the Governor is asking taxpayers to again foot the bill so that he can cater to his core constituencies.
Instead of looking out for our own citizens, the Governor is focusing on funding for migrants. The most vulnerable citizens of Illinois are paying the price for his careless overspending. We need a budget that’s fair, responsible, and puts Illinoisans first for a stable future. If we continue to operate on unrealistic budgets that aren’t addressing the needs of our own citizens, Illinoisans will hurt for it. I will do everything in my power to fight for a budget that will serve the people of our great state.
Gov. Pritzker’s FY25 budget proposal called for close to $1 billion in new taxes on residents and businesses in the state, including continuing the inflation-ignoring cap that has “decoupled” the income tax standard deduction, utilized by almost all Illinois taxpayers, from inflation as measured by the Consumer Prince Index. If enacted into law this decoupling will, in FY25, take an estimated $93 million from the pockets of hardworking Illinois families.
The Governor also proposed changes to the how much net operating losses businesses will be able to deduct on their taxes in tax year 2025. This change is expected to increase the tax liability of Illinois businesses by $526 million in FY25. The proposed Pritzker budget also includes a $200 million tax increase to be imposed on earnings from sports wagering. This would be imposed by raising the tax rate on sports wagering from 15% to 35%. The Governor’s proposed tax increases, if enacted, will be imposed on top of continuing increases in local property tax bills. Illinois is already ranked 9th overall as one of the 10-worst states in the nation with regards to overall tax burdens.
Click here to watch my reaction to the State of the State and Budget Address: Rep. Schmidt Speaks on State of the State and Budget Address (VIDEO) – Kevin Schmidt (repschmidt.com)
Smithton Food Pantry
I have pledged to donate the legislative pay raise I voted against to different local community outreach efforts in the community. This month, I have chosen the Smithton Food Pantry.
If you’d like to donate to their cause, the Smithton Food Pantry can be found at 103 E. Street in Smithton, IL.
I Celebrate Special Olympics Gold Medalist Colleen Costello with IDOT Sign Presentation
I was glad to be on hand to present gymnastics sensation Colleen Costello last Friday with a special sign from the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT). The presentation took place at St. James Catholic Grade School, where Colleen and her mother work. The sign will be proudly displayed at two entrances to Millstadt throughout the next calendar year.
Colleen Costello made Millstadt proud by winning an incredible four gold medals and one silver at the Special Olympics World Games in Germany. She excelled in categories such as all-around, clubs, hoop, ribbon, and rope, showcasing her outstanding skills and dedication to the sport. After 26 years of hard work, she achieved something truly amazing.
Colleen’s achievements are a source of pride for our community. Her dedication and resilience are an inspiration to us all.
Colleen, who was a last-minute addition to the Special Olympics team in December, demonstrated remarkable resilience and received strong support from her community during her rapid preparation in just a few months.
The presentation of the IDOT sign is a celebration Colleen’s incredible achievements and serves as an inspiration for everyone in the community. I extend my congratulations to Colleen for making Millstadt shine on the global stage.
Spotlighting Linda Mitchell, My Guest for the Emerging Women’s Leaders Event
Next, week, the Illinois House Republicans will be hosting the Emerging Women’s Leaders event in Springfield. Each Rep. is asked to invite an influential female leader in their district who’s making a difference.
I have chosen Linda Mitchell, the Executive Director of the Metro East Literacy Project, known lovingly as “The Book Lady.” She is dedicated to promoting a culture of reading for family transformation.
The purpose of the Metro East Literacy Project nonprofit organization is to promote literacy to adults and children by providing access to books, libraries, reading lessons, and quality reading experiences. Their motto is “Literacy is Liberation! It Takes You Higher.
You can learn all about what they do at About – Metro East Literacy Project.
Legislative Survey
I’m asking that constituents in the 114th District fill out his online legislative survey. This survey allows for constituents to share their thoughts, feelings, and opinions in an accessible online format. The survey is open to anyone in the 114th District and is a great way for those interested to engage with me.
Thank you for taking the time to fill out my survey. This survey is one way I’m looking to learn more about what’s important to you. I want to be your voice in Springfield. By filling out this survey, you can know that your voice is heard.
My survey can be found at: Schmidt 2024 Survey – Illinois House Republicans (ilhousegop.org)
Thank you for reading, and I’ll be back with more updates soon!