Latest Post | Last 10 Posts | Archives
Previous Post: Bears release statement after closing on Arlington Heights property purchase
Next Post: Live coverage
Posted in:
* Monday…
"No wonder state Comptroller Susana Mendoza has warned the governor and legislators to go slow on new spending. She advised them to “stay away from funding new programs. Mendoza’s sensible advice should be heeded by all in the budget process." #twill https://t.co/dSNRT4j19s
— Illinois Comptroller (@ILComptroller) February 13, 2023
* This morning…
I'm looking forward to another year of responsible budgeting. Rather than creating new programs, I'm hoping to see a focus on early childhood, MAP grants & other programs that have proven a good return on investment, as well as reinforcing our Rainy Day Fund and pensions. #twill pic.twitter.com/hc1daLL7FL
— Illinois Comptroller (@ILComptroller) February 15, 2023
* This afternoon…
The proposed budget notably won an initial thumbs-up from Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza. In recent days she has been warning about the dangers of new spending now, but said the proposal “makes sense.” […]
Mendoza, in a phone interview, said she’s “excited” that the state now has built up a $2 billion rainy-day reserve — adding, “It needs to be higher” — and that the governor is allotting an additional $200 million to pensions, about the statutorily required amount. She said she remains concerned about any big new spending programs now but said the Pritzker childhood initiatives generally add money to “existing programs,” and are means-tested to ensure the money goes to the people who really need it.
*** UPDATE *** Formal statement from Comptroller Mendoza…
“My hope was that Governor Pritzker would propose a balanced budget that shores up our Rainy Day Fund and the Pension Stabilization Fund; that avoids any major commitments for new programs and instead uses revenue surpluses on existing programs that have proven a good return on investment for Illinois taxpayers - programs like early childhood education and MAP grants for Illinois college students. His proposed budget does all that.
Instead of new programs, I see careful, strategic, and necessary investments in childcare and pre-school programs where they are most needed. Notably, it includes a continuation of shoring up our Rainy Day Fund and another $200 million for the Pension Stabilization Fund. I will aggressively push for my Rainy Day Bill, HB2515, to make deposits into the Rainy Day Fund and the Pension Stabilization Fund an ongoing commitment. I was pleased the Governor proposed an additional $100 million in MAP grant funding to make college more affordable to our bright minds who can’t afford college today. This will safeguard our current investment of billions of dollars in our kids from K-12, and keep them in Illinois for a fast return on this investment once they graduate with higher income potential. This budget was a good start, and I will continue calling for fiscal restraint and discipline as the budget process unfolds.”
posted by Rich Miller
Wednesday, Feb 15, 23 @ 4:07 pm
Sorry, comments are closed at this time.
Previous Post: Bears release statement after closing on Arlington Heights property purchase
Next Post: Live coverage
WordPress Mobile Edition available at alexking.org.
powered by WordPress.
I appreciate her general positioning, but it was a bit short sighted to come out against all new spending - a reasonable interpretation of her position - when she knew there would be new spending she would want.
Comment by New Day Wednesday, Feb 15, 23 @ 4:42 pm
===but it was a bit short sighted===
It was… “Show Business”
And now all is right with the world, some good press pops, and not crossing the governor, a fellow Dem, as comptroller.
Show Business.
Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Feb 15, 23 @ 4:45 pm
She crossed him. You don’t think he reads the news?
Comment by Gee Wednesday, Feb 15, 23 @ 4:52 pm
===Show Business.===
The Comptroller and I have the exact same number of votes to cast for or against this budget and serve on the exact same number of legislative committees. Comptroller Mendoza is very good at the show business.
===She crossed him.===
I would anticipate her relationship with the Governor himself is fine. She’s positioning herself as a non-partisan budget hawk for responsible spending. If anything she might need to be more concerned about a nameless staffer taking offense at what is normal politics among the best of bedfellows.
Comment by Candy Dogood Wednesday, Feb 15, 23 @ 7:28 pm
Yea, I think she’s positioned herself well here…especially with the surplus of inexperienced legislators who don’t have a strong voice on these issues.
Comment by NIU Grad Thursday, Feb 16, 23 @ 9:06 am
===I think she’s positioned herself well here===
Which position? Last week’s or this week’s?
Comment by Rich Miller Thursday, Feb 16, 23 @ 9:10 am