Peoria Standard

The Illinois House Democrats have passed a budget for Fiscal Year 2026 amounting to $55.2 billion, marking a $2 billion increase from the previous year. The budget approval came just before the legislative session ended, continuing a trend of increased state spending under Governor J.B. Pritzker since he assumed office in 2019.

Governor Pritzker had previously stated, “If you come to the table looking to spend more – I’m going to ask you where you want to cut.” However, the newly approved budget includes $1 billion in tax hikes and fund sweeps aimed at covering new expenditures and pay raises for politicians.

Republicans expressed their discontent with the budget process, citing exclusion from negotiations and opposing tax increases. Deputy House Minority Leader Ryan Spain criticized the budget, stating it doubles down on failed economic strategies and does not include necessary structural reforms.

House Minority Leader Tony McCombie also voiced concerns over priorities within the budget, highlighting pay raises for politicians and diversion of funds meant for property tax relief.

Deputy House Republican Leader Norine Hammond labeled the budget as irresponsible due to its reliance on new taxes and fund diversions. Assistant Republican Leader C.D. Davidsmeyer emphasized that there are no tax cuts or property tax reliefs for working families included in this budget.

In another development, federal prosecutors are seeking a 12.5-year prison sentence and a fine of $1.5 million for former Speaker of the House Michael J. Madigan following his conviction on corruption charges earlier this year. Madigan’s sentencing is scheduled for June 13.

“Mike Madigan’s fall from power is no surprise — it’s the bill coming due for decades of corruption,” said House Republican Leader Tony McCombie after learning about the recommended sentencing.

Meanwhile, implementation of Illinois’ controversial ‘swipe fee’ law has been delayed by one year. The law aims to prohibit credit card issuers from imposing fees on retailers accepting their cards but raised concerns over its potential impact on transactions involving sales taxes.

A separate legislative measure aiming to lower prescription drug costs was cleared by the General Assembly and awaits Governor Pritzker's signature. Known as the Prescription Drug Affordability Act (House Bill 1697), it targets pharmacy benefit managers who negotiate drug prices on behalf of insurance plans.

Lastly, no action was taken regarding Chicagoland’s mass transit crisis during this session despite an impending fiscal shortfall faced by public transit agencies like CTA and Metra commuter rail. The Senate passed a version of a bill proposing new funding through statewide taxes; however, it did not advance in the House.

RTA spokesperson Tina Fassett Smith noted that upcoming budgets must only include assured funding sources available by 2026, indicating ongoing uncertainty surrounding public transit funding solutions.