Illinois lawmakers have pushed through a record-setting $55.2 billion budget, leaving taxpayers on the hook for over $1 billion in new costs. The spending plan, approved in a 75-41 House vote, surpasses last year’s budget by $2 billion, continuing the state’s trend of unchecked fiscal expansion.
The budget’s passage came with less than 24 hours for lawmakers to review its 3,000-plus pages, raising concerns about transparency and accountability. Despite promises of fiscal responsibility, the plan relies on short-term fixes to cover rising costs in education, state pensions, and government worker health benefits, while ignoring deeper structural problems.
Taxpayers will bear the burden. The budget includes $1.1 billion in tax hikes, with increases targeting property taxes, sales taxes, and new levies on gambling and tobacco. The plan also introduces an amnesty program aimed at collecting unpaid taxes, but critics argue that it does little to address the state’s long-term financial instability.
Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker defended the budget, calling it a “balanced plan” that protects working families. However, opponents argue that the spending spree does nothing to fix the state’s $4.5 billion pension shortfall, which continues to drain resources.
Lawmakers gave themselves a raise. The budget includes pay increases for legislators, a move that has sparked backlash among voters struggling with inflation and rising costs. While residents face higher taxes, elected officials will enjoy nearly 5% salary hikes, further fueling frustration over government spending.
The consequences of this budget will be felt for years. Illinois continues to follow a familiar fiscal playbook—spend more, fix nothing, and hand taxpayers the bill.
Sources:
https://chicago.suntimes.com/springfield/2025/05/30/illinois-budget-bill-hbia