SPRINGFIELD, IL — As Illinois Democrat lawmakers advance the largest state budget in history, that hikes costs on hardworking families, Assistant House Minority Leader and State Representative John M. Cabello (R-Machesney Park) is calling out the misplaced priorities and continued failed leadership coming from Springfield.
Representative Cabello issued a strong rebuke of the Democrat’s FY2026 Budget that totals $55.2 billion dollars in spending on things like Democrat sponsored pork projects, pay raises for lawmakers, support for failed sanctuary state policies, and continued disregard for public safety.
“This budget doesn’t reflect Illinois values—it reflects bad governance,” said Rep.Cabello. “Every dollar spent on enabling Illinois’ financial crisis is a dollar taken away from the law-abiding Illinoisans who pay their taxes, play by the rules, and now feel abandoned by their government.”
Illinois’ FY2026 budget includes millions in taxpayer-funded benefits for undocumented migrants—ranging from housing and health care to transportation—while families, small businesses, job creators, and law enforcement agencies alike across the state are stretched thin.
“Taxpayers are being told to do more with less,” added Rep. Cabello. “Meanwhile, the same party that is failing to keep Illinois fiscally sound wants to double down on the same failures that haven’t been working. That’s not good leadership—that’s negligence.”
Cabello criticized Democrat leaders for breaking promises on property tax relief, pointing out that the budget fails to deliver any meaningful relief for struggling families.
“Illinois families are begging for property tax relief, and instead of delivering, Democrats are putting relief programs on pause — while continuing to fund projects in their own districts. It’s time to prioritize the taxpayer.”
The people of Illinois deserve a government that puts their safety, financial stability, and quality of life first. As Democrats continue to push a budget that prioritizes wasteful spending over taxpayers, Rep. Cabello and the Illinois House Republicans will keep fighting to restore responsible spending, support law enforcement, and ensure that the needs of Illinois families come before woke political agendas.
For further details or inquiries, please contact Representative Cabello at 815-621-2196.
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John M. Cabello is the Assistant Minority Leader and State Representative for Illinois’ 90th House District, which includes the following communities in Winnebago, Stephenson, and Boone counties: Rockford, Machesney Park, Freeport, Roscoe, Loves Park, Rockton, South Beloit, Caledonia, Durand, Rock City, and Rockton.