Governor Pritzker Delivers Budget Address, Legislative Negotiations Begin

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – For the first time since being elected to lead the Illinois House of Representatives, Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch presided over Governor JB Pritzker’s State of the State and Budget Address. The governor’s proposal focused on investments in early childhood education and childcare, higher education, and efforts to fight poverty, while maintaining his commitment to improving Illinois’ finances.

“The progress we have made as a state in just a few short years is truly remarkable,” said Speaker Welch. “As we heard today in the governor’s budget address, our financial outlook is strong. It is because of that progress that we are in a position to consider priorities that aren’t just important to Democrats, but the majority of Illinoisans.

“It is paramount that we prioritize hardworking families and continue to make fiscally responsible decisions that put our state in a better position for generations to come. This proposal by Governor Pritzker proves that Democrats are united in those goals. This budget address is a great starting point for our legislative negotiations, and I look forward to building on our recent success. I am confident that Chief Budgeteer Jehan Gordon-Booth, Majority Leader Robyn Gabel, our budget negotiation team, and our appropriations chairs will produce a final product that Illinois can be proud of.”

The Governor’s Budget Address begins the process of lawmakers and administration leaders working to develop a budget for the next fiscal year. Appropriations committees and legislative working groups will examine the Governor’s proposed budget line-by-line, along with input from financial forecasters, advocates, and other stakeholders.