As Democrats arrive for DNC, Senate GOP attack Illinois Democratic policies

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — Democrats from across the country will gather in Chicago next week for the Democratic National Convention, but Illinois Senate Republicans argue Democratic policies are nothing to celebrate.

GOP on Pritzker — Gov. JB Pritzker and other top state leaders frequently say Democrats deliver. However, Senate Republicans argue Democrats have only made the state worse.

Gov. JB Pritzker and other top state leaders frequently say Democrats deliver. However, Senate Republicans argue Democrats have only made the state worse.

Republicans told political reporters Friday that Illinois has the third highest unemployment rate in the country and Democrats hit businesses with another tax increase.

Senate GOP leaders are also upset that Illinois continues to spend money on migrants sent from the southern border.

"Governor Pritzker and Illinois Democrats invited it here by creating a welfare state for noncitizens at the expense of Illinois residents," said Sen. Sue Rezin (R-Morris). "Illinois Democrats are spending $1 billion per year on programs to support noncitizens, diverting precious resources away from struggling Illinois families."

Although, Democrats are celebrating laws that protect workers, make healthcare more affordable and expand access to early childhood education. They say Republicans are the party of no.

"We're bringing down the cost of living by targeting junk fees, cutting costs at the grocery store and creating a $50 million child tax credit thanks to Rep. Mary Beth Canty to help families make ends meet," said House Speaker Emanuel "Chris" Welch (D-Hillside). "What did Republicans say to that? No."

Still, Republicans voted against the $1 billion tax increase included in the Fiscal Year 2025 budget package. Sen. Jason Plummer (R-Edwardsville) said many people in his district are barely able to pay for groceries, gas and utilities.

"While Gov. JB Pritzker continues to write blank checks on the backs of taxpayers to fund his misguided priorities and shameless ambition, the same Illinois citizens forced to fund this reckless spending are left struggling," Plummer said.

Illinois Democrats told supporters Wednesday that they are fighting for working families while Republicans continue to spread hate and division.

"Pritzker's soft-on-crime policies are hurting our most vulnerable citizens," said Sen. Terri Bryant (R-Murphysboro). "Children are being murdered at alarming rates and domestic violence deaths doubled last year under the catch and release policies."

WAND News will have full coverage of the Democratic national convention next week. You can get the latest updates on air and online.