Pritzker Delivers Optimistic State of the State and Budget Address

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Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker delivered his annual State of the State and budget address, presenting a more optimistic picture of the state's finances than previous estimates. The speech is expected to feature Pritzker going after President Trump, who has emerged as a political rival. The governor's plan is said to hew to a tight fiscal year, with Democratic leaders not expecting calls for more aggressive taxation of high earners to be embraced.

Why it matters

Pritzker's address comes at a time of political tension between the Democratic governor and the Republican Trump administration. The speech provides insight into the state's fiscal health and the governor's policy priorities, which could shape the political landscape in Illinois.

The details

Pritzker's address is expected to highlight the state's improving financial situation, contrasting with a $2.2 billion budget gap estimated last fall. The governor is also likely to use the speech to criticize the Trump administration, which has become a political foil. Democratic leaders say the budget proposal will need to maintain fiscal restraint, with no major new spending initiatives expected.

• Pritzker is scheduled to deliver the State of the State and budget address today.
• Illinois' four top legislative leaders were briefed on the plan yesterday.