Governor JB Pritzker delivered his annual State of the State and Budget Address to a joint session of the Illinois General Assembly in Springfield Wednesday.
State Representative Norine Hammond (R-Macomb), Deputy Republican Leader and the House Republican Caucus’ chief budget negotiator, provided the following statement in reaction to the Governor’s proposed Fiscal Year 2026 State Budget:
Today, Governor Pritzker proposed the largest budget in state history.
The Governor’s FY26 budget proposal would spend $55.2 billion, which is nearly $2 billion more than the FY25 enacted budget. On Governor Pritzker’s watch, state spending has increased by more than $15 billion, a 38% increase in spending.
Despite nearly $500 million in proposed revenue enhancements, and after raising taxes last year by almost $1 billion, the State still faces at least a $425 million deficit for FY26.
On a somewhat positive note, I’m glad that the Governor agrees with us that the health benefits program for undocumented immigrants is unaffordable and unsustainable. However, the Governor only proposed eliminating this program for adults aged 42-64, while keeping the program for undocumented immigrant seniors.
I don’t believe for one second that the Democratic supermajority in the General Assembly, which created this benefits program for undocumented immigrants, will agree to this proposed cut. This isn’t real. It’s another fake cut that will be opposed by Democratic legislators, setting Illinois families up for another tax hike.
Illinois’ sanctuary state policy has cost Illinois taxpayers billions and made our communities less safe. I am sponsoring legislation to repeal the Illinois TRUST Act, a misguided law that prohibits our local law enforcement agencies from working with federal authorities to detain and deport illegal immigrants. And I support legislation to end taxpayer-funded healthcare benefits for undocumented immigrant adults.
House Republicans support a balanced budget without gimmicks and tax hikes. We want a budget that prioritizes the needs of Illinois working families and seniors over migrants and illegal immigrants. We will continue to work to pass a balanced budget that protects Illinois taxpayers, properly funds our shared priorities, and makes real reforms to improve our economy.