East Central Reporter

Illinois legislators have approved a $55.2 billion budget for the 2026 fiscal year, as reported by WGN9. The budget was finalized just before midnight on May 31 and includes $400 million in spending cuts alongside a $1.1 billion tax package. New taxes will target large transnational corporations that store assets overseas, and an amnesty program aims to collect funds from delinquent tax filers. Additionally, taxes on gambling, tobacco, and vaping products are set to increase.

"Illinois Democrats just passed a reckless budget… and it's going to cost YOU," said Adam M. Niemerg, State Representative for 102nd District (R). "Illinois doesn't have a revenue problem. We have a spending problem. Working families are paying the price for this out-of-control spending."

In a post on X, Adam Niemerg, representative for Illinois State House District 102, expressed concerns about the budget's impact on working families. He said that Illinois faces a spending problem rather than a revenue problem with the passage of the new budget.

reenshot of State Representative Adam NIemerg's May 31 post on X | X

Niemerg highlighted what he described as "political handouts and woke priorities" within the budget. These include allocations of $21 million for abortion programs; $65 million for electric vehicle promotion; $39 million for services for undocumented immigrants; $87.8 million for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives; and $7,000 pay raises for legislators.

According to the report, legislators still need to pass the revenue package necessary to fund the 2026 fiscal year budget and a budget implementation bill that authorizes included programs and services. Priorities not passed by the end of May include legislation to impose taxes on rideshare trips and deliveries from companies like Amazon and GrubHub, as well as a new tax on charging electric vehicles. The proceeds would be used to fund a bailout for the Chicago Transit Authority, which is facing a $770 million budget deficit and considering cuts of up to 40% for 2026.

Niemerg was elected in 2020. He is described as a lifelong Illinoisan with a bachelor's degree from Eastern Illinois University. He identifies as fiscally conservative with focuses on lowering taxes, advocating limited government, and pursuing pension reform. According to his official biography, he is pro-life and supports the Second Amendment.