West Central Reporter

On Monday, Governor JB Pritzker signed the Fiscal Year 2026 Budget into law for Illinois. The budget, which was passed by Democratic legislators and approved by Gov. Pritzker, will allocate $55.2 billion. This represents an increase of nearly $2 billion compared to the FY25 enacted budget. Since Governor Pritzker took office in 2019, state spending has increased by more than $15 billion, marking a 38% rise.

Deputy Republican Leader Norine Hammond (R-Macomb), who is the chief budgeteer for the Illinois House Republican Caucus, criticized this financial plan. She expressed concerns about what she describes as excessive spending by Democrats.

“The tax-and-spend budget that Governor Pritzker just approved is completely irresponsible," Hammond stated. "It’s a $55 billion budget that relies on $1 billion in new taxes and fund sweeps and hundreds of millions of dollars in Road Fund diversions."

Hammond further criticized certain 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."

She also highlighted issues with taxpayer-funded health benefits: "This budget continues to provide taxpayer-funded Health Benefits for Immigrant Seniors and other handouts to illegal immigrants, at a cost of more than $110 million to Illinois taxpayers."

Concerns were also raised regarding educational 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."

Hammond pointed out that no funds would be allocated to the State's Rainy-Day fund next fiscal year: "There isn’t a backup plan when the Democrats’ fund sweeps and one-time revenues run out." She warned that this could lead to future tax hikes.

The reduction of property tax relief grants was another point of contention: "Adding insult to injury, Democrats slashed property tax relief grants to help pay for their reckless spending," she remarked.

Hammond concluded her statement with criticism over bipartisan cooperation: “Rather than working with Republicans on a responsible budget plan, Democrats once again chose to go it alone. This tax-and-spend budget is a disservice to my constituents and to families across Illinois.”