West Central Reporter

Illinois Democrats have approved a substantial spending plan for Fiscal Year 2026, which begins on July 1. The budget, passed just before the May 31 deadline, amounts to $55.2 billion, marking an increase of nearly $2 billion from the previous fiscal year. Under Governor JB Pritzker's administration, state spending has risen by over $15 billion, reflecting a 38% increase.

Assistant Republican Leader C.D. Davidsmeyer criticized the budget, labeling it as a 'Tax, Spend, Repeat' strategy. "The Democrats’ wasteful spending plan is full of pork projects and pay raises for politicians while Illinois families are slammed with new taxes that will make their cost of living even higher," he stated. Davidsmeyer highlighted "$250 million in pork projects for Democratic legislators," funded by "$1 billion in new taxes on Illinois families and businesses."

During a late-night budget hearing on May 30, Davidsmeyer questioned Rep. Robin Gabel about potential pork projects within the budget bill (SB 2510). Gabel responded that "there is no pork in this budget." However, Davidsmeyer contended that there are "nearly $250 million in pork projects" and mentioned a "$100 million slush fund for the Governor." He urged taxpayers to scrutinize the Fund for Illinois’ Future, which he referred to as the 'Democratic Majority Slush Fund.'

In response to these concerns, Representative Davidsmeyer filed House Bill 4074 to rename the Fund for Illinois’ Future as the Democratic Majority Slush Fund.

"This budget is a disaster for hardworking Illinois families," said Davidsmeyer. He pointed out that "a billion dollars in new taxes," along with significant fund diversions and sweeps, were used to address what he described as a budget shortfall caused by reckless spending. He noted the absence of property tax relief or tax cuts for working families while criticizing the allocation of "$110 million of our tax dollars on welfare benefits for illegal immigrants."