The Illinois House Democrats have passed a new fiscal budget for 2026, amounting to $55.2 billion. This represents an increase of $2 billion from the previous year. Governor Pritzker's administration has seen a significant rise in state spending since he assumed office in 2019, with expenditures increasing by $15 billion over this period.
Governor Pritzker previously stated, “If you come to the table looking to spend more – I’m going to ask you where you want to cut.” However, the newly approved budget includes $1 billion in tax hikes and fund reallocations. Critics argue that these measures are used to finance additional spending projects and pay raises for politicians.
Republican lawmakers have expressed dissatisfaction with the process, citing exclusion from budget negotiations and opposing the tax increases. House Minority Leader Tony McCombie commented on the situation: “Rather than pursuing meaningful structural reforms to secure our state’s future, Democrats chose to prioritize politician pay raises, steal from the rainy-day fund, and funnel money into their own pork projects.”
Deputy House Republican Leader Norine Hammond criticized the budget as "completely irresponsible," pointing out that it relies heavily on new taxes and fund diversions without providing property tax relief or cuts for working families.
In another development, federal prosecutors are seeking a 12.5-year prison sentence for former Speaker of the House Michael J. Madigan following his conviction on corruption charges earlier this year. The sentencing is scheduled for June 13. “Mike Madigan’s fall from power is no surprise — it’s the bill coming due for decades of corruption,” said House Republican Leader Tony McCombie.
On consumer issues, implementation of a controversial 'swipe fee' law affecting credit card transactions has been delayed by one year due to potential complications with sales tax applications.
Regarding firearms legislation, State Representative Patrick Windhorst opposed Senate Bill 8 and House Bill 850 due to concerns about constitutional rights infringements related to gun storage mandates and firearm owner identification procedures.
As legislative sessions conclude, several pending issues remain unresolved and will be revisited in future discussions.
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