Pritzker’s Spending Spree is Driving Costs Up for Illinois Families

Last year after the budget address, we reported Governor Pritzker had proposed the largest budget in the state’s history. This year, he has outdone himself – breaking last year’s record. During his speech to the Illinois General Assembly this week, Governor Pritzker unveiled his priorities and spending plan, setting his total FY26 expenditures at $55.235 billion. The new proposal reflects a $1.994 billion increase in spending over last year, resulting in a 3.7% increase overall. Moreover, the Governor plans to pay for the new spending with yet-to-be-realized revenue, based in part on aggressive projections that have not been confirmed by the Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability (CGFA), as well as increased taxes and other gimmicks that will require the legislature’s approval.

State spending under Governor Pritzker has grown exponentially since he took office in 2019. When he took over as Governor, state expenditures were $40.3 billion. Each year since we have seen state spending grow and we now have a budget that is $15 billion higher than when he took office.

Pritzker and his foot soldiers want to continue their outrageous spending spree and, if they get their way, the state’s budget will have grown by a whopping $23 billion by 2030 – a near 60% increase in little more than a decade.

This kind of irresponsible gluttony keeps the ruling class happy and the lower class comfortably numb. It’s the rest of us who will have to toil, suffer and bear the burden of their delusional fantasy.

Headlines

Pritzker admin’s past and future spending excesses mean $23 billion in upcoming deficits 

Pritzker Compares Trump Administration’s Approach to Nazi Germany During State Budget Address

This wasn’t the budget speech that ordinary Illinoisans want to hear. They want tax relief, not more spending

State Rep. Chris Miller Unloads on Democrats for Ignoring State Issues