East Central Reporter

The Illinois House Democrats have passed a $55.2 billion budget for Fiscal Year 2026, marking a $2 billion increase from the previous year. This decision was made just before midnight on the final day of the legislative session. Since Governor Pritzker assumed office in 2019, state spending has risen significantly, with expenditures increasing from $40.3 billion to the current budget amount.

Governor Pritzker had previously stated in his Budget Address that he would ask for cuts if more spending was proposed, but the newly approved budget includes $1 billion in tax hikes and fund sweeps to support new expenditures and political pay raises. Republicans were excluded from the budget negotiation process, leading to criticism over lack of fiscal restraint and structural reforms.

State Representative Chris Miller expressed strong opposition to Senate Bill 8, which introduces new mandates on firearm storage and reporting stolen firearms within 48 hours. He described it as an infringement on Second Amendment rights. State Representative Patrick Windhorst also voiced concerns about constitutional issues related to this bill.

A controversial 'swipe fee' law affecting credit card transactions was delayed for one year by the Illinois General Assembly due to its potential impact on sales tax applicability and consumer transactions at restaurants.

In transportation news, no action was taken regarding funding for Chicagoland's public transit agencies facing a significant budget shortfall. A proposal that included statewide taxes on deliveries and electric vehicle charging did not pass as some tax hikes were deemed too controversial.

As the state's fiscal challenges continue, several revenue items discussed during this spring's legislative session may resurface during future sessions or veto periods.