NW Illinois News

Senator Li Arellano Jr., representing Illinois State Senate District 37, said that lawmakers received the 2025-26 budget with only hours to review it, describing it as the largest spending plan in state history.

"The budget has finally dropped (with just hours to go) and is already (with no prep) being heard right now in the House Executive Committee," said Li Arellano, Jr., State Senator, according to Facebook. "This 3,300+ page spending plan will be the largest in state history, but the House had no time to review it and the Senate has little time for review. Our staff is scrambling to figure out what's actually in the bill and how this will impact Illinoisans. This is completely dysfunctional, and no way to run an organization!"

In a video posted on Facebook on May 30, Arellano said his office received the budget document shortly after 9 p.m. He criticized the process as "one of the most dysfunctional budgetary processes" he has experienced and indicated he is likely to vote against the plan due to its lack of transparency, despite claims that it met state transparency laws.

Screenshot of State Senator Li Arellano's May 31 Facebook post | State Senator Li Arellano's Facebook page

According to Capitol News Illinois, the deadline to pass Illinois’ state budget with a simple majority was May 31; otherwise, starting June 1, it requires a three-fifths majority in both houses. Since Governor J.B. Pritzker unveiled his proposed budget in February, revenue projections have been lowered by $536 million to $54.9 billion. The original spending plan was $55.2 billion, with major increases only in education, healthcare, and pensions.

In a May 31 Facebook post, Arellano highlighted proposed taxes under consideration and reminded constituents that Illinois already has the highest overall tax burden in the nation. He noted that the final budget was not yet complete, with more amendments and the revenue bill still pending. Arellano pointed to several potential taxes, including a real estate transfer tax, new taxes on rideshares, fees for electric vehicles, delivery taxes on food orders and online purchases. He warned these could make Illinois one of the most expensive states if approved and mentioned a bill expected to increase energy costs.

Arellano served as mayor of Dixon from 2015 to 2023, focusing on restoring fiscal integrity, improving local infrastructure, and fostering economic development. After achieving his goals and honoring his commitment to term limits by not seeking a third term, he transitioned back to the private sector. He owns two Jimmy John’s franchises, a frozen yogurt shop called The Frosted Spoon, and a commercial property leasing company. In addition to his business endeavors, Arellano serves as a Sergeant in the U.S. Army Reserves and is currently a squad leader with the 317th Engineer Construction Company in Homewood, Illinois.