Illinois Governor Proposes Record $56 Billion Budget

Pritzker's plan includes tax hikes and redirected funds, drawing criticism from GOP lawmakers

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker has presented a $56 billion budget proposal to the state's General Assembly, marking the largest budget in state history. The proposal includes more than $700 million in new revenue, with $589 million coming from tax hikes and $139 million from redirected funds. While the governor's office touts savings and cost containment, the overall General Funds spending is set to rise by $879 million over the previous fiscal year, leaving a narrow $24 million surplus.

Why it matters

The governor's record-setting budget proposal has sparked debate in Springfield, with Republican lawmakers criticizing the plan for relying on volatile projections and temporary fixes rather than lasting reform. The budget battle highlights the ongoing political tensions in Illinois as the state grapples with fiscal challenges.

The details

Pritzker's $56 billion budget proposal is roughly $879 million higher than the previous fiscal year's budget. The new revenue includes $589 million from tax hikes and $139 million from redirected funds. While the governor's office claims the plan includes savings and cost containment, the overall General Funds spending is still set to rise by $879 million.

  • Pritzker presented the $56 billion budget proposal to the General Assembly last week.

The players

J.B. Pritzker

The Democratic governor of Illinois who proposed the record $56 billion budget.

Patrick Windhorst

A Republican state representative from Metropolis, Illinois, who criticized the governor's budget proposal as "another year with another record budget".

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“It's been a week since Gov. J.B. Pritzker presented his $56 billion budget proposal to the General Assembly and it's still being talked about in Springfield.”

— Patrick Windhorst, State Representative (wmclradio.com)

What’s next

The Illinois General Assembly will now review and debate the governor's budget proposal, with a final budget expected to be passed before the start of the new fiscal year.

The takeaway

The governor's record-setting budget proposal highlights the ongoing fiscal challenges facing Illinois, with Republican lawmakers criticizing the plan for relying on temporary fixes rather than lasting reform. The budget battle underscores the political divisions in the state as lawmakers work to address the state's financial needs.