THE FOLLOWING RELEASE IS FROM STATE REP ADAM NIEMERG’S OFFICE
Dieterich, IL – Anyone looking for big ideas and an agenda of real reform should look elsewhere than the Governor’s State of the State address, according to State Representatives Adam Niemerg (R-Dietrich).
The Governor is looking to again set a record for spending in Illinois with his $50 Billion budget proposal that creates new programs and new avenues of state spending.
“The only reason the state is able to pay its bills right now is because of the massive amount of federal money flowing into the state’s coffers,” Niemerg said. “What happens when the federal money is gone? The last thing we need right now is to create new programs. What we need is real spending reform and better accountability in state government. We need to stop the mass exodus from our state, and we need to focus on the real concerns facing Illinois residents. Sadly, all Governor Pritzker has to offer is more woke slogans and goodies for his political allies.”
Niemerg said it is important to fund priorities such as education and healthcare, but it is time for state leaders to demand more accountability when it comes to how taxpayer money is spent.
“We spend an average of $14,000 per student in Illinois and yet only 30 percent of students can read at grade level,” Niemerg said. “Before we create new programs and before we pour even money into our education system, we need more accountability. Throwing money at our schools is not working. It is time we focused on results instead of giving out atta boys for good intentions. Good intentions won’t help kids learn to read. We need results.”
