Illinois lawmakers return to Springfield Tuesday with just 11 days left to finalize the state’s annual budget. Governor J.B. Pritzker has proposed a nearly $55 billion spending plan—the largest in Illinois history. Despite revenue coming in lower than expected, Pritzker claims his administration is crafting a “tight budget.”
“I’m just saying, you know, we’ll get there,” Pritzker said last week. “Nobody likes to have to tighten the belt and make it all work, but our tightening is, I think, reasonable.”
Republicans remain unconvinced. State Rep. Jed Davis, R-Yorkville, and other GOP members have introduced an alternative $44 billion proposal. Davis emphasized the need to shrink government and give more money back to taxpayers.
“If we can work together from far left, the far right, and actually work for the people of Illinois, man, everyone will win,” Davis said.
The current session ends May 31. Yet with less than two weeks to go, key details of the budget remain undisclosed. The potential $55 billion plan could increase state spending dramatically, raising concerns among conservatives about government overreach and fiscal responsibility.
On Friday, Rep. Jennifer Sanalitro, R-Hanover Park, issued a warning on the House floor. “We need to say no to this service tax hike and start making responsible choices,” she said. “Let’s put taxpayers first, stop growing government, and start defending the people we represent.”
Pritzker responded to calls for progressive tax hikes by saying additional revenue is unnecessary. “We’d all like to have more resources, but I think the funding is there to do the things that we absolutely must do,” he said.
Lawmakers are in session this week and return again after Memorial Day, concluding the session on May 31.
