NW Illinois News

Illinois State Senator Li Arellano Jr. has criticized Governor J.B. Pritzker's approach to the state's budget cuts, arguing that the current fiscal challenges are a result of the governor’s own spending decisions rather than federal economic policy.

"Let’s be honest, this isn’t about President Trump. This is about Pritzker finally being forced to confront his own reckless spending. Since taking office in 2018, Pritzker has increased state spending by more than 40%. Year after year, he’s been warned to stop spending money Illinois doesn’t have," Arellano stated.

Arellano dismissed claims that recent spending cuts were prompted by policies from former President Donald Trump, saying, "To claim these cuts are somehow Trump’s fault is absurd. Unless the governor is admitting he was inspired by our president to rein in spending, this excuse doesn’t hold up. And if that’s the case, then good—maybe Pritzker will finally make needed cuts and help put an end to Illinois’ bloated spending habits."

Governor Pritzker recently directed state agencies to set aside up to 4% of their Fiscal Year 2026 budgets for reserves, limit non-essential expenditures, review hiring practices, and prepare additional financial reserves. Arellano characterized these actions as a political move: "Now, as he directs agencies to set aside up to 4% of their Fiscal Year 2026 budgets, limit non-essential spending, review hiring, and prepare reserves, he’s trying to spin it as a political stunt. The truth is simple: Illinois’ financial mess is Pritzker’s doing."

Arellano further asserted that responsibility for previous fiscal decisions lies with the governor: "It wasn’t President Trump who wasted away record tax revenue. It wasn’t President Trump who pushed through a $55 billion budget—the largest in state history. It wasn’t President Trump who created the nation’s first taxpayer-funded healthcare program for non-citizens. And it certainly wasn’t President Trump who floated new delivery, service, and digital ad taxes that would hit Illinois families even harder!"

He added that despite proposed reductions in agency budgets, overall state expenditures remain higher than what Illinois can afford: "Even with these potential cuts, Illinois is still spending billions more than it can afford. This is a drop in the bucket compared to the fiscal discipline our state actually needs."

Arellano concluded by calling for greater accountability from elected officials: "Illinoisans deserve leaders who own their budget and financial choices, not politicians who hide behind excuses. Pritzker’s ‘Trump made me do it’ defense isn’t leadership; it’s spin. He has to make the tough choices whether or not he can find someone else to blame."

The comments come as Arellano begins his term representing Illinois' 37th Senate District after winning election in 2025 and succeeding Win Stoller.