Responding to the Governor’s Budget Proposal
Last week, Governor JB Pritzker delivered his combined 2026 State of the State and Budget Address to the Illinois General Assembly.
As I was listening to the address, I couldn’t help but think about the next generation. What will the future be like for our children and grandchildren if the state stays on the path it has been on under Gov. Pritzker?
This is another budget proposal that is the largest in state history at more than $56 billion, a billion more than last year, and includes another round of tax and fee increases to the tune of more than $700 million.
Families and seniors living on a fixed income are crying out for relief, especially from property taxes, but this proposal cuts more funds for local governments and again defunds a property tax relief grant program. People are losing their homes because the taxes are more than the mortgage. This is not the time to cut back on what little relief does exist.
I’m glad the Governor brought up efforts to address the affordable housing crisis, but I’m concerned about the details, and, if action is not taken to broaden our energy resources, families are going to continue to get hit with increased energy rates.
It’s time for the Governor and Democrats to accept reality, exploding the state budget by 40 percent since 2019 for their progressive agenda is putting the financial future of our kids and grandkids at risk. It’s time to change course and for the state of Illinois to live within its means.
Budget Proposal Toplines:
- This would be the largest budget in state history at more than $56 billion.
- Nearly $1 billion more in spending over last year.
- $748 million in new taxes, fees, and gimmicks. Including a proposal to tax social media.
- $16 million cut to local governments and defunding property tax relief grants in the school funding formula.
- More than half a billion dollars dedicated to non-citizens.
Calling for Action on Public Safety
The Governor has recently talked about addressing public safety, but it was sorely lacking in his State of the State Address this week. We have real problems, many created by misguided policies like the SAFE-T Act and TRUST Act. We have legislation to fix these problems, and we need to take action.
Pressing the Case for K-12 Scholarship Program and Expanding 529 Accounts
We all know how important it is for children to have access to quality educational opportunities that set them up for future success in life. That’s why I’m encouraged to see a growing drumbeat of bipartisan support calling for Governor Pritzker to opt Illinois into the Federal Scholarship Tax Credit program for eligible low-income students.
We also have an opportunity to help families more easily afford K-12 education costs by expanding how 529 education savings accounts, like BrightStart, can be used. I’ve filed House Bill 4107 to do just that.
Helpful Resources and Tips for Tax Season
With the 2026 tax season upon us, the Illinois Department of Revenue (IDOR) and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) are both accepting tax returns.
Yes, Democrats Have Proposed a Bag Tax & a Campfire Tax
Yes, Democratic legislators have proposed legislation that would tax every carryout bag, increasing the tax every year. And yes, there is proposal to charge a fee for campfires.
Additional License Types Available on IDFPR Online Licensing System
This month, the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) announced it is advancing Phases 3 and 4 of CORE (Comprehensive Online Regulatory Environment), bringing 16 additional license types onto the state’s online licensing portal.
These additional license types include:
- Music Therapy Continued Education Sponsor
- Registered Dental Hygienist
- Restricted Shorthand Reporter
- Approved Shorthand Reporter CE Sponsor
- Professional Limited Liability Company
- Architect
- Massage Therapist
- Enrolled Professional Engineer Intern
- Professional Engineer
- Structural Engineer
- Enrolled Structural Engineering Intern
- Physical Therapist Assistant
- Chiropractic Physician
- Physical Therapist
- Occupational Therapist
- Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant
I hope you’ve found this update helpful. I’m honored to serve you as your State Representative. As always, please feel welcome to call or e-mail me with any questions, concerns, or feedback on these or any other issues.
Sincerely,
Tom Weber