Pritzker Pitches Affordability and Illinois Resilience in State of the State

Governor warns of Trump administration's funding cuts costing Illinois $8.4 billion

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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In his State of the State address, Democratic Gov. JB Pritzker outlined a message of resistance to President Donald Trump, highlighting the $8.4 billion in federal funding cuts that have impacted Illinois. Pritzker called on Republicans to demand the return of these resources, while also pushing an agenda focused on affordability for Illinoisans.

Why it matters

Pritzker's speech comes as he seeks reelection and potentially positions himself for a 2028 White House bid. His criticism of the Trump administration's actions and call for bipartisan cooperation on restoring federal funding underscores the political tensions between Illinois and the federal government under Republican leadership.

The details

Pritzker said the Trump administration's funding cuts for various programs have cost Illinois $8.4 billion. He warned Republican lawmakers that they must demand the return of these resources before discussing the state's fiscal year 2027 budget. The governor also criticized the Trump administration's aggressive immigration enforcement actions in the Chicago area, calling Illinois the "canary in the coal mine" for federal agents' actions in Minneapolis.

  • Pritzker delivered the State of the State address on February 18, 2026.

The players

JB Pritzker

The Democratic governor of Illinois who is seeking reelection and positioning himself for a potential 2028 White House bid.

Donald Trump

The former Republican president whose administration's actions have cost Illinois $8.4 billion in federal funding, according to Pritzker.

Stephen Miller

A senior homeland security advisor to former President Trump.

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What they’re saying

“When Donald Trump is taking resources away that are rightfully ours, none of us — Democrats or Republicans — should be OK with that.”

— JB Pritzker, Governor of Illinois (Chicago Tribune)

“It's a playbook as old as the game — overwhelm communities, provoke fear, suggest that those tasked with enforcing the law are also above it — and drip authoritarianism bit by bit into our veins in the hopes that we won't notice we are being poisoned by it.”

— JB Pritzker, Governor of Illinois (Chicago Tribune)

What’s next

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The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.