State Budget

Gov. JB Pritzker’s office is now projecting state revenues to come in about a half-billion dollars below the baseline projections assumed during his February budget address.

Some lawmakers are pushing for Illinois to join eight other states that have legalized internet gambling, also known as iGaming. It’s a tempting possibility in a year when the state is facing a possible budget deficit.

Central Illinois lawmakers had mixed reactions to Gov. JB Pritzker’s State of the State and budget address. Some said they came to the Illinois House floor expecting more transparency about the budget and were disappointed by Pritzker’s focus on federal government and critique of Republican Party.

Gov. JB Pritzker on Wednesday unveiled a $55.2 billion spending plan with an unexpected “budget surplus” — but noted the uncertainty of state funding under President Donald Trump, while also nixing a health care program for adults who lack legal status to save the state millions.

Revenue returns remain on track halfway through Illinois’ budget year, though it’s next year that is causing concern in the Capitol.

Public schools in Illinois have enjoyed several consecutive years of substantial increases in state funding, thanks largely to steady growth in state revenues and a new funding formula that lawmakers approved in 2018.

Normal City Manager Pam Reece said the town will keep a watchful eye on the spring legislative session in Springfield.

Illinois lawmakers returned to Springfield Tuesday for the first time since May following news earlier this month that they’re facing a projected $3.2 billion budget deficit for the fiscal year that begins July 1.

The measure calls for the creation of a 3% tax on individual income over $1 million to use to reduce the property tax burden.