West Central Reporter

In the final hours of the spring session, Illinois Democrats approved a substantial spending plan within the Fiscal Year 2026 Illinois State Budget. The budget, passed by the Democratic majority, amounts to $55.2 billion, marking an increase of nearly $2 billion compared to the FY25 enacted budget. Since Governor JB Pritzker assumed office in 2019, state spending has risen by over $15 billion, representing a 38% increase.

Deputy Republican Leader Norine Hammond (R-Macomb), who serves as the chief budgeteer for the Illinois House Republican Caucus, expressed criticism towards what she described as excessive spending by Democrats.

“The tax-and-spend budget passed by Illinois Democrats is completely irresponsible. It’s a $55 billion budget that relies on $1 billion in new taxes, a massive number of fund sweeps, and hundreds of millions of dollars in Road Fund diversions," Hammond stated.

She further elaborated on specific allocations within the budget: “What’s in this budget? Pay raises for politicians. Nearly $250 million in pork projects for Democratic legislators aka the ‘Democratic Majority Slush Fund’ and an additional $100 million slush fund for the Governor."

Hammond also highlighted concerns regarding funding allocations: "This budget continues to provide taxpayer-funded Health Benefits for Immigrant Seniors, another $110 million in spending for illegal immigrants."

Additionally, she noted cuts in education funding: "This budget cuts funding for higher education. Our state universities are seeing a two percent reduction in funding from the Governor’s introduced budget.”