Gov. Pritzker Proposes Eighth Balanced Budget

Fiscally responsible plan centers on making Illinois more affordable for working families

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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Governor JB Pritzker unveiled his eighth balanced budget proposal, a fiscally responsible plan focused on making Illinois more affordable for working families while protecting the state's long-term financial stability. The budget builds on seven years of restored fiscal stability, lowering the state's bill backlog, improving credit ratings, and rebuilding the Rainy Day Fund.

Why it matters

The Governor's budget proposal comes at a time when families are facing higher costs driven by national economic uncertainty. By prioritizing affordability without raising taxes, the budget ensures Illinois can continue delivering results while keeping costs down for residents.

The details

The FY27 budget proposal includes initiatives to lower housing costs by eliminating unnecessary barriers and reducing costs for housing construction, as well as efforts to bring down electricity bills by increasing energy supply and reforming the state's energy regulatory framework. The budget also continues investments in education, early childhood literacy, and workforce development programs.

  • Governor Pritzker unveiled the FY27 budget proposal on February 18, 2026.
  • The budget will cover the 2027 fiscal year, which begins on July 1, 2026.

The players

Governor JB Pritzker

The 43rd Governor of Illinois, serving since 2019. He has proposed a balanced budget for the eighth consecutive year.

Attorney General Kwame Raoul

The Attorney General of Illinois, who has expertly fought to protect the state's interests against the federal government's actions.

President Donald Trump

The former President of the United States, whose administration has cost Illinois $8.4 billion through illegally withheld funds and harmful policies.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

The takeaway

Governor Pritzker's eighth balanced budget proposal demonstrates Illinois' commitment to fiscal responsibility and affordability for working families, even in the face of economic headwinds from the federal government. By investing in housing, energy, education, and workforce development, the state is positioning itself for continued growth and prosperity.