From State Senator Craig Wilcox:
Last week, Governor J.B. Pritzker outlined a $56 billion spending plan for the new fiscal year that begins July 1, 2026.
While I can appreciate the work that goes into assembling a budget proposal, I am concerned about attempts to tie education funding to a tax/fee increase, and a continued shortchanging of funds required to provide services and caretaker pay for our most vulnerable residents in the intellectually and developmentally disabled community.
I hear regularly from families and small business owners who are concerned about the rising cost of living, property taxes, and the state’s long-term economic competitiveness.
With spending having grown nearly 40% since Governor Pritzker took office in 2019, I believe it is important that we proceed thoughtfully and look for sustainable ways to align spending with existing, recurring revenues.
As budget negotiations move forward, I hope Senate Republicans will have a seat at the negotiation table. Illinois residents expect collaboration, fiscal responsibility, and practical solutions, and I am confident we can deliver a balanced budget that reflects those shared values.
Following the Governor’s speech, I issued this media statement:
“Today’s budget address from Governor Pritzker once again highlighted his tendency to deflect responsibility for Illinois’ fiscal challenges. Blaming President Trump does nothing to address the real issues facing our state. Illinois’ financial struggles are the result of decades of costly, short-sighted policies that have driven up taxes, pushed businesses to leave, and saddled the state with massive unfunded pension liabilities. Those policies did not come from Washington. They came from right here in Illinois.
“The Governor highlighted recent credit upgrades, but failed to acknowledge that Illinois still ranks last in credit rating among all 50 states. Years of structurally unbalanced budgets, growing pension debt, and a complete lack of fiscal discipline have left the state in this precarious position. Alarmingly, his remarks offered no concrete plan to address these longstanding issues.
“Illinois’ economic growth has lagged behind other states. Employment growth is weak, our GDP trails the national average, and repeated cuts to local funding have put communities at risk. If Illinois were performing even at average levels, our financial position would be far stronger today.
“Illinois can be more affordable, and Illinois can be stronger. But that will require leadership willing to control spending and stop passing policies that do more harm than good. The citizens of Illinois deserve real solutions, not blame-shifting.”
