Governor Pritzker Delivers Budget Address, Legislative Negotiations Begin
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Governor JB Pritzker delivered his sixth budget address to a joint session in the Illinois House of Representatives. Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch presided over the ceremony, while the governor focused on investments in education, health care, and permanently cutting the state’s grocery tax.
“I want to thank Governor Pritzker for his continued commitment to putting Illinois on sound fiscal footing, while also prioritizing the needs of hardworking Illinoisans,” said Speaker Welch.
“As we begin this budget-making season, it’s important we remember how far we have come in just a few short years. We’ve earned a historic nine credit upgrades, we’ve paid off our debt, we’ve made extra payments to save taxpayers billions, and we’re doing this while making smart investments for our future. Like every year, we have pressure points, but we will continue making fiscally responsible decisions that put our state on a path of progress. I am confident Chief Budgeteer Jehan Gordon-Booth, our budget negotiation team, and our appropriations chairs will put in the necessary work to craft a final budget that is reflective of our values as Illinoisans.”
The Governor’s Budget Address begins the process of lawmakers and administration leaders working to develop a budget for the upcoming 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.
“House Democrats are focused on developing a responsible and compassionate budget that uplifts our most vulnerable, invests in our future, and reflects the concerns facing families across Illinois,” said Leader Jehan Gordon-Booth, Chief Budgeteer for the House Democrats.
“In recent years, we have taken significant steps forward to stabilize and strengthen Illinois' finances – restoring Illinois to A-level credit, eliminating debt, and better positioning the state to handle future challenges. We’ve done all this while also investing in our schools, and caring for residents from children to the elderly. This budget will be another opportunity to continue this positive momentum, while further supporting job creation and economic development.
“Today is the first step in a longer process as we work toward crafting a final document. We look forward to reviewing Governor Pritzker's priorities in detail and engaging stakeholders in the conversations ahead.”
In The News
Sun-Times: Following Cook County’s lead, Gov. J.B. Pritzker will propose investing $10 million of federal funds in his budget to erase more than $1 billion in medical debt for Illinois residents.
WGEM: During his speech, he spent the time talking about the importance of investing in children and early childhood education. $400 million will be spent in funding for a Smart Start, including money for preschool, childcare workers, early intervention, and home visiting programs.
AP: For consumers, he pitched permanently repealing a 1% sales tax on groceries, which was temporarily suspended for a year in 2022.
Politico: Gov. JB Pritzker’s budget for the coming year includes $10 million in general revenue to expand existing grant programs at the Illinois Arts Council.