South Central Reporter

Blaine Wilhour, candidate for Illinois State House District 110, recently commented on the state's budget situation. "It looks like Democrats may blow past their self-imposed budget deadline again this year," said Wilhour. The candidate, who is set to face Democrat Matthew Hall in the general election, also emphasized the need for collaboration. "We have to work together if we want to craft the best budget for our state," he stated.

"It looks like Democrats may blow past their self-imposed budget deadline again this year," said Blaine Jacob Wilhour, State Representative, according to Facebook. "Republicans have once again been cut out of the process. We have to work together if we want to craft the best budget for our state."

In a Facebook post, Wilhour shared a link to an article from the Chicago Sun-Times that reported stalled budget talks within the Illinois General Assembly over issues such as sportsbook tax hikes and retailer discounts. The article, published on May 22, noted that legislators would have needed to file a budget bill by that date for the legislative session to conclude by May 24. It also highlighted disagreements within the Democratic supermajority over tax increases included in the $52.7 million budget proposal.

Screenshot Rep. Blaine Wilhour's May 23 Facebook post | State Representative Blaine Wilhour's Facebook page.

One contentious issue is a proposed tax increase on Illinois sports wagering license holders – from 15% currently levied against adjusted gross sports wagering revenue, to 35%. This adjustment would align Illinois more closely with other states' practices. According to a summary from Governor J.B. Pritzker’s office, the first 15 points of this tax would be allocated to the capital projects fund while the remaining 20 points would go into the general revenue fund.

Another point of contention is a proposed decrease in tax discounts for retailers collecting sales tax. This measure caps these discounts at $1,000 per month and could generate an additional $101 million in income for the state.

ABC7 reported that Pritzker's filed budget document exceeds 3,300 pages and includes a request for $800 million in new revenue. The bill must undergo three readings on the floor before approval.

Representative Blaine Wilhour has served District 110 since 2019. A lifelong resident of Illinois, Wilhour served in the Illinois Army National Guard from 1999-2005 and was deployed to Europe in 2002 as part of Operation Enduring Freedom, according to his official biography. His political career includes a term on the Fayette County Board, and he is currently a managing partner at his family’s post-frame construction company in Effingham County.