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SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Gov. J.B. Pritzker is proposing a $55.2 billion state budget, bolstered by a revised revenue forecast projecting an additional $1.5 billion in growth.
Pritzker’s budget team now estimates a $1.7 billion deficit, down from the previously projected $3.2 billion gap. Republicans swiftly criticized the plan, calling it the largest spending proposal in state history—echoing concerns they raised when Democrats passed the current $53.2 billion budget, which Pritzker seeks to supplement with another $550 million.
“You can’t believe any of these facts or figures that are coming out of the governor’s office,” said state Sen. Chapin Rose, R-Mahomet, on Tuesday, questioning the sudden revenue shift.
Ahead of Pritzker’s State of the State and budget address Wednesday, a senior administration official said the proposal prioritizes fiscal responsibility while aiming to grow the state’s economy.
To close the gap, Pritzker plans to generate nearly $500 million by offering tax amnesty, increasing casino taxes—excluding Chicago’s casino—and eliminating a deduction for legal marijuana businesses.
Despite supporting immigrant rights, Pritzker’s plan would cut medical coverage for non-citizen adults aged 42-65 while maintaining coverage for older non-citizens. Funding for immigrant welcoming centers would also be reduced from $140 million to $40 million.
The budget includes a $10.6 billion pension payment, nearly 20% of general funds. An additional $78 million would go toward enhancing pensions for “Tier 2” workers, though it falls short of the $1.1 billion unions seek.
The proposal lacks a plan to address the Chicago region’s $770 million transit funding shortfall but continues Pritzker’s trend of increasing education spending, adding $350 million to the K-12 funding formula.
Chicago Public Schools CEO Pedro Martinez was in Springfield advocating for additional education funding. “I want to see what other opportunities there are to add a little bit more revenue, especially in education,” he said.
Pritzker also seeks to make state land “site-ready” for businesses, potentially attracting $4.7 billion in private investment. His budget summary notes that 75% of spending increases would go toward education, pensions, and medical expenditures.
He also plans to address local government consolidation, eliminate township assessor offices in small counties, ban students from using personal cellphones during class, and push for additional protections for abortion providers in Illinois.