Peoria Standard

Following the approval of Illinois' Fiscal Year 2026 budget, Deputy House Minority Leader Ryan Spain criticized the financial plan. The budget, totaling $55.2 billion, represents a $2 billion increase in state spending from the previous year and includes $1 billion in tax increases.

Ryan Spain expressed his concerns, stating: "Our state has been in an uncertain financial position for decades, thanks to years and years of financial malfeasance at the hands of the Democratic majority, who have maintained their artificial majority thanks to some of the worst gerrymandering in the entire country." He further accused Democrats of violating House Rules to pass what he described as one of the largest spending plans in state history. According to Spain, this budget "robs the road fund to pay for standard operating expenses," grants legislators another pay rise, diverts funds intended for property tax relief, and imposes significant tax hikes on Illinois residents.

Spain concluded by asserting that "this budget doubles down on years of failed economic strategy that has caused our state to fall behind all our neighbors." He emphasized that Illinois residents deserve better governance.