I’m going to be touching on multiple issues, including the budget, taxes, summer events, district visits, and more. I’m grateful to be able to represent hard-working citizens who make our communities strong, and will continue to work to make Illinois a better place to live and work.
Democrats Pass $55.2 Billion Budget. Another year, another budget, and a record-breaking spending increase.
Just before midnight on the last day of the legislative session, Illinois House Democrats passed the FY26 budget that will cost taxpayers more than $55.2 billion, a $2 billion increase over last year.
For several years in a row, the Democrats have negotiated spending plans behind closed doors, excluded Republican input, rejected accountability, and raised taxes on Illinoisans in order to quench their never-ending thirst to spend more money.
House Republicans have repeatedly offered to work with the majority party to craft a balanced budget without tax hikes, but were once again completely shut out of the process.
$1 Billion in New Taxes and Fund Sweeps. The $55.2 billion budget for Fiscal Year 2026 is reliant on one-time revenues and a billion dollars in tax hikes and fund sweeps.
The Budget and Revenue Package consisted of three major components:
- FY26 Budget Appropriations – SB 2510
- FY 26 Budget Implementation Bill (BIMP) – HB 1075
- FY 26 Revenue Package – HB 2755
Read more about the budget, firearms, and corruption
Schmidt Issues Statement on FY26 Budget
Springfield…The Illinois Democrats have passed a whopping $55.2 billion budget, adding $2 billion more than last year. Since Governor Pritzker took office, spending has increased by 38%. State Representative Kevin Schmidt (R-Millstadt) issued the following statement after the budget vote.
“This massive budget does not reflect the needs of Illinois citizens. Bad public policy has cost the state billions,” said Rep. Schmidt. “I’m disappointed to see Democrats tap into the pockets of working families to accommodate their appetite for spending on pork projects in Democratic districts.”
The FY 26 budget includes another $1 billion in taxes on Illinois’ working families and job creators. Illinois Democrats have turned over unprecedented authority to Governor Pritzker in order to make spending decisions in this budget. This near-record spending budget continues the downward tax-and-spend spiral that has caused disastrous financial results for the state and its overburdened taxpayers.
Rep. Schmidt continued, “We cannot continue the trend of overspending, borrowing, and taxing while families are struggling to make ends meet. People in my district need relief, and our government’s response is to tax them even more. Many families and businesses are leaving Illinois, which means a higher financial burden on those who remain, yet Illinois Democrats’ priorities continue to leave hardworking families on the hook for higher taxes.”
Summer Events for 2025
Schmidt’s Legislation that Improves Community Integrated Living Arrangements Passes Both Houses
Springfield…State Representative Kevin Schmidt (R-Millstadt) wants to see Community Integrated Living Arrangements (CILA) up to par with other facilities in the state. Rep. Schmidt filed House Bill 57 to include CILAs to the Essential Support Person Act, passed in 2023. Rep Schimdt said the purpose of his bill is to ensure residents in CILAs have the same visitation rights for essential support persons as other facilities.
“My bill aligns CILAs with state run facilities and it breaks a barrier that has excluded certain community-integrated living arrangements from visitation rights,” said Schmidt. “This change was needed and I’m happy to see HB57 pass through the General Assembly.”
Community Integrated Living Arrangement (CILA) is a living arrangement for adults in a group home, family home or apartment where eight or fewer unrelated adults with developmental disabilities live under supervision of the community developmental services agency. Residents receive complete and individualized residential habilitation; personal support services and supports under the direction of a community support team within the local agency.
Prior to the amendment of HB57, the Essential Support Person Act did not include CILAs, as they are licensed by IDHS, not IDPH.
HB57 passed both Houses and heads to the governor’s desk to be signed into law.
Taxpayers Organization Meeting
Earlier this week, I met with concerned residents in Freeburg to provide legislative updates during a taxpayers organization meeting. We discussed the FY26 budget, legislative updates, and how politics affects everyone in our community. I appreciate everyone who attended the meeting and for sharing their voice with me, because it matters!
Chamber of Commerce Meeting
I had the great pleasure of meeting with Mascoutah Chamber of Commerce to provide legislative updates and how recent bills that passed through the General Assembly will affect businesses in the 114th District.
We had productive conversations about the needs and concerns from business owners, and will continue to work together to help improve the business atmosphere in Illinois. Thank you all for taking the time to meet with me!
D-Day
June 6 marks D-Day, the anniversary of the Allied invasion of Normandy in 1944. It was a turning point in World War II and a moment of extraordinary courage, sacrifice, and coordination. Today, we remember their bravery and honor the legacy of those who fought to defend freedom.
SAVE THE DATE!!
Join State Representative Kevin Schmidt for Coffee Talk on Tuesday, June 17 from 9:00 – 10:00 A.M. in Mascoutah! This is an excellent opportunity to sit down together and discuss legislative issues and what you’d like to see improved in your community. I look forward to seeing everyone!
Millstadt Post Office
The renaming of the Millstadt Post Office in honor of a hometown hero, Marine Corporal Matthew A. Wyatt is truly special for his family, friends, and the community. It’s a privilege to represent a district with strong veteran roots and a community that is loyal to one another.
Matt was 21 when he passed away on Dec. 3, 2004. He sacrificed his life to protect his platoon from a suicide bombing in Al Anbar Province, Iraq.
The Post Office is located at 200 S. Veterans Drive in Millstadt.
Looking Ahead in November!
Join Illinois State Representative Kevin Schmidt for a Job Fair on November 6, 2025 from 9:00 a.m. to noon at Wyvetter H. Younge Higher Education Campus Multipurpose Room, Building D,
601 James Thompson Blvd. in East St. Louis.
In the district job opportunity
I encourages individuals or organizations to nominate their favorite business in the 114th District to be recognized as the Business of the Month. Learn more…