State Representative Adam Niemerg addressed a projected $3 billion shortfall for 2026 in a Facebook post dated November 4. He said, "our residents do not deserve the added burden of paying for Democrats' out-of-control spending habits."
"The Governor and supermajority Democrats have spent taxpayer dollars recklessly, creating new state programs with temporary funds and relying on gimmicks to paint a rosy picture of Illinois finances," said Adam M Niemerg, State Representative for 102nd District (R), according to Facebook. "Illinois families are already facing some of the highest tax rates in the nation, our residents do not deserve the added burden of paying for Democrats' out-of-control spending habits."
According to Niemerg's post, he shared a report from WBEZ that focused on the recently released Illinois Economic and Fiscal Policy Report. WBEZ describes the forecast of more than a $3 billion shortfall in the next fiscal year as a "major departure" from previous years when budgets included a surplus under Governor Pritzker. The report also suggests that this financial forecast may influence Pritzker’s decision on whether to seek a third term. The forecast anticipates increases in various areas, including education and health insurance for state workers, legislators, judges, and their families.
The report from the Governor’s Office of Management and Budget (GOMB), published on November 1, is the mandated Economic and Fiscal Policy Report presented to the General Assembly. It provides insights into the state's long-term economic and fiscal policy intentions, examining projections for 2025 and the subsequent four years. The report notes that the national economy is experiencing high inflation, a cooling stock market, and a stable job market. It also discusses real gross domestic product (GDP), labor market conditions, and income levels. Illinois faces economic conditions similar to those at the national level.
Updated fiscal year 2025 projections indicate that individual income taxes and investment income have surpassed forecasts, with GOMB reporting an increase of $569 million in revenue forecasts. The General Fund is expected to have $199 million more than previously anticipated. For Fiscal Year 2026, projections based on the S&P Global baseline forecast for 2024 suggest General Fund revenues will be $53.406 billion, with $10.369 billion from sales tax revenue and $873 million transferred from General Funds into the Road Fund. Expenditures are estimated to exceed revenues by $3.173 billion.
Niemerg was first elected in 2020 and identifies himself as a "fiscal conservative focused on reducing taxes and fighting for limited government and pension reform," according to his official biography. He works as a senior claims adjuster with Country Financial and holds a bachelor's degree from Eastern Illinois University.
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