East Central Reporter

In response to a social media post from Governor J.B. Pritzker, Brad Halbrook, Representative for Illinois House District 107, said that the governor is not being truthful about the 2026 fiscal year budget. Halbrook claims it includes new taxes, fund sweeps, and diversions from the state Roads Fund.

"Gov Pritzker is not being truthful," said Halbrook, State Representative for 107th District (R), according to Facebook. "A few minutes before midnight, the final day of the spring session, Illinois Democrats passed the biggest budget in Illinois' history. Spending has increased by more than $15 billion, a 38% increase since Governor JB Pritzker took office in 2019. $1 billion in new taxes, a massive number of fund sweeps, and hundreds of millions of dollars in Road Fund diversions."

The social media post from Governor Pritzker described the 2026 fiscal year budget as "a testament to Illinois’ fiscal responsibility" and expressed gratitude towards legislators, budget teams, House Speaker Chris Welch, Senate President Harmon, and stakeholders for their contributions in creating what would be his seventh balanced budget as governor.

According to a report by WGN 9, Illinois legislators approved a $55.2 billion budget for the 2026 fiscal year just before midnight on May 31. The budget comprises $400 million in spending cuts alongside a $1.1 billion tax package. New taxes are aimed at large transnational corporations storing assets overseas and include an amnesty program targeting delinquent tax filers. Additionally, taxes on gambling, tobacco, and vaping products are set to rise.

Fox Illinois reported that both houses of the General Assembly passed the budget and its implementation bill with minutes remaining before the approval deadline via simple majority. In the House, the state budget passed with a vote of 75-41; no Republicans supported it while two Democrats opposed it. It then moved to the Senate where legislators voted 34-23 in favor of passing the bill at 11:25 p.m., with Senator Doris Turner (D-48) voting against it.

Halbrook has served as a state representative since 2023. He previously represented Illinois' 102nd District from 2017 to 2022 and the 110th District from 2012 to 2015.