State Senator Erica Harriss of Glen Carbon issued a statement following Governor Pritzker’s State of the State and Budget Address. Harriss, who was elected to the Illinois State Senate in 2023 to represent the 56th District, commented on the impact of rising costs on families and seniors.
“As a working parent in a family of five, I know affordability is not a slogan. It is about whether families can pay their bills, plan for the future, and feel secure in their homes. The same is true for seniors living on fixed incomes. Right now, too many Illinoisans are watching property taxes, utility bills, and everyday costs rise faster than their paychecks,” Harriss said.
She expressed disappointment that the address did not focus more on practical solutions to economic challenges: “In today’s address, I was hoping to hear more about practical solutions to the challenges facing our state. Illinoisans are less concerned with politics and more concerned about what is happening at their kitchen tables. They want stability, opportunity, and leadership that understands what it truly costs to live and raise a family in Illinois.”
Harriss also raised concerns about the proposed budget’s reliance on unapproved revenue sources and its effect on local school funding. “The Governor is required by law to propose a balanced budget, but this plan relies heavily on revenue proposals that have not been approved. This proposal also includes a significant hit to local school funding, which will only push more costs onto local communities and increase pressure on property taxpayers,” she stated.
“Illinois families and seniors deserve responsible budgeting, meaningful tax relief, and leadership that puts their financial security ahead of politics,” Harriss concluded.
Harriss succeeded Kris Tharp as senator for the 56th District after being elected in 2023.
