Springfield – After reviewing the Governor’s annual Budget Address, State Senator Dan Rutherford (R-Pontiac) voiced his concerns over Governor Blagojevich’s plan to impose more taxes and fees.

In his fourth address to the General Assembly, Governor Blagojevich outlined intentions to once again burden Illinois’ employers with $130 million in tax increases which affect consumers and employment.

“Over the last two years the Governor appeared to have extended an olive branch to Illinois’ employers, but for a second time he is suggesting the state tax Illinois businesses as a way to create additional revenue,” said Rutherford. “This will once more force state businesses to relocate to neighboring states, and threaten thousands of well-paying jobs. At some point this Administration needs to realize that they cannot continue to balance the budget on the back of Illinois industry.”

Senator Rutherford explained that at this time Illinois is operating with an all-time high state debt as well as an all-time high in state government spending, and $1.8 billion in unpaid Medicaid bills. The senator said that the Governor will end this term with a budget proposal that is $3.5 billion greater than the budget he inherited from George Ryan.

“It’s time to exercise some fiscal restraint. Illinois already has over $21 billion in borrowing on bond debt and is funding the $1.4 billion in increased spending the governor has proposed by raiding $1.1 billion from our teacher’s retirement fund,” said Rutherford. “I was particularly disappointed in the minimal increase the Governor allocated for the Department of Corrections—right now prisons are dangerously understaffed. Lawmakers need to work together to craft a bi-partisan budget that prioritizes spending, and limits new programs and program expansions.”