How the Government Spends Your Tax Dollars to Manipulate Votes | The Center Square Daily

How the Government Spends Your Tax Dollars to Manipulate Votes | The Center Square Daily

From The Center Square Daily by The Center Square

June 2, 2026 · 24 min · Episode 168

About this episode

The episode discusses Illinois' record budget and the implications of taxpayer-funded election messaging in California.

Illinois lawmakers pass a record $56 billion budget with tax increases and legislative pay raises, California voters weigh local tax measures amid concerns over taxpayer-funded election messaging, and voters head to the polls in six states for primary elections. Illinois lawmakers concluded their regular legislative session by approving the state's largest budget ever, including new taxes on social media platforms, predictive markets, and other revenue sources. The spending plan also raises legislative salaries above $101,000 annually. Supporters say the budget remains balanced despite federal funding uncertainty, while critics argue taxpayers continue to face growing government spending, higher taxes, and rising energy costs. With nearly 400 bills passed, attention now turns to gubernatorial action and the fall veto session. As California voters consider more than 100 local ballot initiatives, questions are being raised about whether taxpayer-funded communications are being used to influence election outcomes. The Center Square investigative reporting examines enforcement actions by the California Fair Political Practices Commission, previous fines levied against local…

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