NW Illinois News

The Illinois legislative session for spring 2025 concluded in the early hours of June 1, with the budget for the next fiscal year being approved at the last minute. The process, spearheaded by majority party Democrats, bypassed some established procedures, including those outlined in the Illinois Constitution. This resulted in limited time to review or debate the budget's extensive 3,363 pages before voting.

The Fiscal Year 2026 spending plan, amounting to $55.2 billion and effective from July 1, 2025, is now recognized as the largest budget in Illinois history. No Republican lawmakers supported this budget. Concerns have been raised about its spending and allocation of funds.

A legal challenge was filed on June 5 against what was described as an unconstitutional and unethical process used to pass the budget. The lawsuit focuses on a constitutional requirement that mandates every bill be read on three separate days in each chamber—a safeguard intended to ensure deliberation and prevent abuse. Allegations were made that this rule was violated by using an empty "shell" bill filled with last-minute budget language.

Criticism of the budget highlights nearly $1 billion in new tax hikes and pay raises for legislators, alongside taxpayer funding for healthcare services for illegal immigrants. It also mentions a controversial $40 million allocation for a sports complex in the House Speaker's district.

Notably absent from the budget are measures providing property tax relief or assistance for families facing rising energy bills. Since Governor JB Pritzker assumed office in 2019, state spending has reportedly increased by nearly $15 billion—an almost 40% rise.

The legal challenge argues that adherence to constitutional processes is essential to maintaining public trust. The aim is to advocate for a government that serves Illinois residents according to established rules.