State Budget

“Talking about a brand new Bears stadium when this one’s not even 25 years old, that’s insensitive to what real people are going through right now," said Illinois House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch.

Gov. JB Pritzker backs the idea in principle but says it’s not a 2026 priority.

A report by the Illinois Economic Policy Institute found federal budget cuts could reduce economic activity in Illinois by $10 billion each year by 2029.

The recent suspension of federally funded food assistance for needy Americans as well as upcoming rule changes in Medicaid are presenting difficult challenges for state policymakers.

Illinois is on track to run a more than $200 million deficit just three months into the current fiscal year, according to the Governor’s Office of Management and Budget.

Illinois agencies must identify spending reductions and create reserves in their budgets to prepare for an economic downturn, according to an executive order issued Tuesday by Gov. JB Pritzker.

Gov. JB Pritzker signed Illinois’ fiscal year 2026 budget into law Monday, taking shots at President Donald Trump’s budget management to defend hard choices state lawmakers were forced to make this year.

Illinois GOP lawmakers from Central Illinois held a townhall meeting this week following the end of the Spring session. The town hall took place online on Sen. Sally Turner’s Facebook page. Turner was accompanied by Rep. Bill Hauter and Rep. Regan Deering, who both represent parts of McLean County.

Illinois’ latest budget misses the mark in several key areas, according to one independent nonprofit fiscal analyst.

In the days following the end of the session, Illinois State Senator Dave Koehler of Peoria looked back at the tense spring session.