Illinois legislators are set to receive yet another pay raise as part of the state’s massive $55.2 billion budget, the largest in Illinois history. The 3,300-page spending plan was filed late Friday, just a day before the vote deadline. The budget includes a $7,000 pay bump for lawmakers, pushing the total pay raise under Democrat Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s administration to more than $30,000 since he took office.
“Since J.B. Pritzker took office, Democrats have voted themselves over $25,000 in pay raises. This would push it over to $30,000,” said State Rep. Brad Halbrook, R-Shelbyville, during a late-night floor speech.
The budget also allocates tens of millions of dollars to various special interests, including $5 million for NASCAR, $6 million for an Indo-American Center to build a Pan Asian American Community Center, and large sums for chambers of commerce statewide.
Democrats defended the budget, with Rep. Robyn Gabel, D-Evanston, calling it “fiscally and socially responsible” and touting $500 million in cuts from the governor’s initial proposal. However, Republicans questioned the rush to pass the massive bill and raised concerns about tax hikes buried within the plan.
“We’re looking at more tax increases,” said State Rep. Will Guzzardi, D-Chicago, who admitted the final tax details, including increases on vape and tobacco products, would be discussed in the revenue bill set for debate Saturday.
The budget also includes a $2.5 billion supplemental for the current fiscal year. Lawmakers must pass the budget by midnight Saturday, requiring only simple majorities.
As Illinois taxpayers face the highest spending plan in state history, they also watch as lawmakers quietly boost their own salaries once again.
The budget’s approval comes as Illinois faces mounting fiscal challenges, including rising pension obligations, growing debt, and an exodus of residents seeking lower taxes elsewhere. Critics argue that the repeated pay raises for lawmakers reflect a disconnect between elected officials and hardworking families struggling to make ends meet. Meanwhile, Illinois taxpayers are left to foot the bill for an increasingly bloated state government.
