Pritzker Budget Address Reaction
Governor JB Pritzker enters the House Chamber Wednesday before delivering his budget proposal. (Photo: Chicago Tribune)
What we get as we get them:
Sen. Mike Simmons (D-Chicago):
“I applaud Governor Pritzker for including a child tax credit in his budget proposal. I believe we should go bolder and more ambitious to ensure the child tax credit puts a sizable dent in child poverty across Illinois. As I wrote in the Chicago Sun-Times this week, and have championed for three years since taking office, it is important for us to enact a permanent and refundable child tax credit for households in every part of Illinois who are scrimping to get by and deserve economic relief and financial security. This is a day long coming, and now we have to fight for a more robust child tax credit that will have a broader impact.
“I’m also pleased to see clear commitments from the Governor that support healthy communities, including additional investments in early childhood, higher education, funding for K-12 schools, health care and eliminating food insecurity. I also appreciate that the Governor has proposed $10M in funds that will help erase medical debt for more than a quarter million people.”
“I look forward to being a leading voice in budget negotiations on the child tax credit and other critical priorities to address the needs of children, working families and low-income households across our state. That will be my north star in the weeks ahead.”
Sen. Elgie Sims (D-Chicago):
By building on our shared commitment to fiscal responsibility, Illinois has made significant strides in achieving strong financial footing, marking a pivotal turning point in our state's fiscal trajectory. Key indicators demonstrate we continue our progress toward financial stability. Together, we have implemented responsible budgetary practices that prioritize fiscal discipline, transparency and accountability.
“Our commitment to economic growth and job creation has yielded positive results. With targeted investments in education, infrastructure, and workforce development, we are laying the groundwork for sustained prosperity not only for the next fiscal year but the next generation. By fostering an environment conducive to business expansion and innovation, we are attracting new investments and generating revenue that bolsters our financial resilience.
“Additionally, our efforts to reform our state’s pension systems and address long-term liabilities are bearing fruit. While challenges remain, we are making progress toward achieving fiscal sustainability and ensuring the long-term solvency of our pension funds.
“I stand firm in my unwavering commitment to serving the best interests of the people of Illinois. By promoting economic growth, supporting education, ensuring public safety and enhancing the overall well-being of our communities, we aim to build a stronger, more prosperous and more equitable future for all residents of our great state.
“The governor’s proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2025 is a good first step toward investing in educating our students, protecting our most vulnerable populations, and preparing for our future, but our work is far from done. I look forward to joining my colleagues in the General Assembly in having a robust discussion about this year’s budget and passing a budget that is balanced, fiscally sound, and addresses the very real needs of the people of this great state.”
Democratic Party of Illinois Chair Lisa Hernandez:
“Building on five years of fiscal progress and responsibility, Governor JB Pritzker once again laid out a positive vision for our state that invests in education, health care, infrastructure, public safety, and human services in his State of the State and Budget Address. Democrats across the state will work together to continue bolstering our finances while investing in budget priorities that move Illinois forward.
Governor Pritzker, Comptroller Susana Mendoza, Treasurer Mike Frerichs, and Democrats in the General Assembly have put Illinois’ finances back on track over the past five years, with nine credit rating upgrades, five balanced budgets, an eliminated bill backlog, and over $2 billion invested in our Rainy Day Fund. Democrats continue to prove their commitment to uplifting Illinois’ working families and delivering real progress for all Illinoisans.”
Illinois Republican Party Chairman Don Tracy:
"Governor Pritzker has made it a habit of standing up every year to tell the people of Illinois not to believe their own eyes and just trust him with their money. Governor Pritzker's budgets have spiked spending more than 30% since he took office while we as a state continue to lose population, more than 260,000 people leaving Illinois in the last 3 years alone. Governor Pritzker helped bring the ongoing migrant crisis to Illinois and despite 18 months of disaster proclamations, still can't get on the same page with the state's largest city. All the while, he jetsets across the country giving political speeches, more interested in headlines and presidential speculation than actually governing this state.
This budget proposal represents what we've come to expect from Governor Pritzker: empty promises of bipartisanship, a radical agenda, and more of your taxpayer dollars to cover the tab."
Sen. Robert Peters (D-Chicago):
“I am pleased to see Governor Pritzker has shown great tenacity towards addressing the public safety concerns of our underserved communities through increased investments in violent prevention programs and strengthening families through better healthcare initiatives. In order to bring structure and stability to Illinois we must propose an overall inclusive and rational budget that address health care disparities and unfair insurance industry practices – which often target low to median income families and already under-funded communities.
“I agree with the governor that investments in public safety and our economic development should be top priorities to keep our communities safe and continue economic equity expansion across Illinois. We must be committed to funding programs that bring more financial security, safety and justice to our communities.
“The governor’s budget proposes transformative investments to fight poverty and prevent homelessness with $200 million funds allocated to the Restore, Reinvest, Renew program and $30 million to Reimagine Public Safety. Further, it offers opportunities for communities impacted by a broken criminal justice system through data driven intervention programs, street outreach and re-entry programs.
“In the next few months, I look forward to working with the governor and my fellow lawmakers to negotiate a budget that increases Illinois’ stability and provides much-needed services to the people who rely on them the most.”
Senate Majority Leader Kimberly Lightford (D-Maywood):
“As we navigate the fiscal landscape of our state, it is imperative to craft a budget that prioritizes the well-being and prosperity of all Illinoisans, addresses the key issues facing our communities and fosters sustainable economic growth. The proposed $13 million investment to launch the Department of Early Childhood will ground on our transition to a whole, trauma-informed approach to meeting children’s diverse needs.
“Investing in education is investing in our future. I continue to stand in support of allocating additional funds to enhance K-12 education, ensuring that every student has access to quality resources and opportunities. This includes ensuring adequate funding for underprivileged schools and supporting initiatives aimed at reducing the opportunity gap.
“We must put forth a budget that outlines strategic investments in education, health care, infrastructure and economic development to address the diverse needs of Illinois residents. By working collaboratively and making prudent financial decisions, we can build a stronger, more equitable future for all.”
Illinois Manufacturers’ Association President & CEO Mark Denzler:
“Manufacturers applaud the Governor’s continued focus on workforce development and desire to create a skilled workforce to match modern manufacturing jobs. His proposals to create a new Chief Workforce Officer, enhance funding for world-class manufacturing academies and further invest in workforce training programs will help prepare Illinoisans for good, middle-class jobs while bolstering our economy. We also strongly support the ongoing effort to grow game-changing quantum technology in Illinois, which can help manufacturing supply chain and production process challenges. With slowing tax revenue, it’s vital that we find ways to foster economic development while maintaining fiscal discipline to avoid revenue shortfalls and ensure stability for businesses and families.”
Rep. Stephanie Kifowit (D-Oswego):
“As Chair of the Personnel and Pensions Committee, I would like to thank the Governor for his proposal to address the Pension situation in the State of Illinois. I appreciate the hard work of the members of the pension committee and look forward to continuing to work on pension policy that is respectful of the hard working employees of the state of Illinois and fiscally responsible for the state budget.”
“Our state has made good strides toward fiscal responsibility in recent years, and we must continue this momentum. Property taxes and pensions are two of my main priorities in Springfield, and I will ensure that the voices of residents on these topics are properly represented in budget discussions. In addition, it is critical that we focus on supporting our classrooms, invest in public safety and pursue a balanced approach that respects taxpayers. I’m particularly interested in seeing how we can strengthen health care access – especially for our Veterans and seniors. We have a lot of work ahead, and I look forward to reviewing the governor’s proposal in detail.”
Technology & Manufacturing Association Executive Vice President Dennis LaComb:
"We were hoping to hear from the governor today about progress being made to help Illinois’ small and midsize manufacturers compete, grow, and create jobs. Instead, we heard about more tax giveaways to big out-of-state businesses, more spending initiatives, and added taxes and regulations that will stifle economic growth while increasing costs on employers.
Manufacturers in our state are facing real problems. We’re paying more for energy, materials, and regulation compliance than ever before. We’re paying the 2nd highest corporate income tax rate in the nation. Adding to the stress, many manufacturers are dealing with the Biometric Information Privacy Act (BIPA) fallout. And the estate tax unfairly punishes multi-generational manufacturers. Yet it seems, if you’re not a Chinese-owned battery plant or big Michigan-based auto manufacturer, you don’t matter to this governor.
There are real, tangible things we can work on together to strengthen manufacturing in Illinois, if the governor is willing to listen to the bipartisan members of our Small and Midsize Manufacturers (SaMM) Caucus in Springfield. They’ve put forward positive, common sense legislation to help our industry and its workforce. We call on the governor and legislative leaders to work with us to help create more good paying jobs for Illinoisans.”
Sen. Ann Gillespie (D-Arlington Heights):
“The governor’s proposal prioritizes crucial areas that strengthen our communities. Continued investments in education, career and technical education programs and economic development will equip our residents with the skills they need to succeed, while keeping people in our state, attracting new talent and fueling economic growth.
“As we prepare to roll out the state-based insurance marketplace, investments in staffing and outreach efforts, paired with funding for Get Covered Illinois, will allow us to effectively ramp up access to affordable health care. By strengthening health care options, bolstering mental health resources and uplifting our direct support professionals, we are investing in the well-being of our residents and the long-term vitality of our state. As chair of the Senate’s Health and Human Services Appropriations Committee, I remain committed to continuing the progress we’ve made in these areas.
“I look forward to working with my colleagues as we build a budget that meets the needs of our communities and ensures a strong foundation for the future.”
Rep. Jeff Keicher (R-Sycamore):
“Since before the Governor’s budget proposal last year, my Republican colleagues and I have been warning that our state would face a deficit as federal COVID relief funds ran out and all the new spending initiatives created by progressive Democrats and the Governor ran out of funding sources. This budget proposal lays bare that problem as the Governor is proposing a billion dollars in tax increases and cost shifts that will fall on the backs of Illinois families and job creators and drive even more people out of our state.
“As I’ve said before, instead of creating new and costly programs to satisfy the never-ending spending demands of progressives, we should be focused on providing tax relief and shoring up funding for critical programs that support our most vulnerable citizens like seniors and the disabled.
“On top of that, this proposal makes it clear that bipartisan legislation introduced a few weeks ago to reduce the negative impact of the estate tax on family farms and small businesses was merely another election-year bait and switch because the Governor completely ignored it in his proposal. Yet, he’s suggesting the state appropriate $2.5 billion to promote an unspecified constitutional amendment on the general election ballot.
“As inflation continues to affect the pocketbooks of individuals and families, this budget should include significant tax relief for Illinoisans. Instead, taxpayers are again being asked to pay more to promote Democrats extreme progressive agenda.
“I sincerely hope the Governor and Democrats will invite Republicans to the table this year to develop a budget that reflects the needs and priorities of all Illinoisans, but this proposal does not inspire me with much hope.”
Josh Evans, President and CEO, Illinois Association of Rehabilitation Facilities:
“We appreciate the Governor and his administration working with the disability community and ultimately deciding not to pursue a proposed decrease in hours for Direct Service Professionals (DSP) in the proposed budget, an action that would have had severe consequences for the many people our members serve. It’s clear through communications with individuals with disabilities, frontline staff, disability providers, and legislators, they understood that decision would have taken Illinois backwards after our recent progress to better fund services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
With this decision in mind, and while the Administration is simultaneously seeking to exit the Ligas Consent Decree and proposing to increase state revenues, we are deeply concerned that the Governor’s budget proposal does not include any increases in wage rates for DSPs. We do not see a path to exiting the consent decree, of which the state has been out of compliance since 2017, without minimally achieving full funding of the Guidehouse rate study, which indicated higher wages and benefits for frontline staff as its top priority.
Disability service providers throughout Illinois continue to face serious pressures and obstacles to attracting DSP workers to provide services, including additional increases in the minimum wage this year and next to $15 an hour on January 1, 2025. Regrettably, the proposed budget’s lack of a DSP wage rate increase represents a significant step backwards in our ability to provide competitive wages and benefits for frontline staff.
This spring, with the leadership of Representative Michelle Mussman and Senator Karina Villa, we will pursue an increase in DSP wages of $3 an hour, to help us stay ahead of these pressures and put us more in line with the progress envisioned by the Guidehouse study two years ago.
We hope the Governor and Legislature will recognize the ongoing struggles of service providers and support this wage increase in the final budget later this spring.”
House Speaker Chris Welch:
“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.
“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.”
Rep. Maurice West (D-Rockford):
“Every budget is an opportunity to take needed action to support families and build a stronger Illinois. In recent years, we’ve taken significant steps forward to support early childhood education and essential services that families depend on. It’s critical that we continue to prioritize funding for every level of education, support workforce development and choose a comprehensive approach to public safety. I look forward to engaging local stakeholders as we begin to review and consider the governor’s proposal line-by-line.”
Senate President Don Harmon:
“The governor’s proposal is a good start.
“Senate Democrats look forward to the discussion of how to balance our serious needs with fiscal realities in the weeks and months ahead.
“My goal is to cross the finish line with a bipartisan, balanced budget that reflects our shared goals of responsibility and security and invests in key priorities for the state of Illinois.”
(note: Harmon may be one of the few Democrats in Springfield using the word “bipartisan” today.)
State Schools Superintendent Tony Sanders (a Pritzker cabinet member):
“I applaud Gov. Pritzker for his continued commitment to Illinois’ students and his recognition of the critical importance of thriving, well-funded public schools to the strength of communities all across Illinois. His FY 2025 budget proposal includes significant and critical funding increases for education, while balancing a tight fiscal environment. U.S. News and World Reports already ranks Illinois number five in Pre-K-12 Education, number two in College Readiness, and number eight in Preschool Enrollment. The Governor’s advocacy and leadership for education in FY 2025 will take Illinois even closer to our goal of being the best state in the nation to raise family.”
Transportation for Illinois Coalition Co-Chairs Patrick Hosty & Kevin Burke:
“We are disappointed in and cannot support the Governor’s budget proposal to cut transportation funding after just a few years of Rebuild Illinois’ important investment in our state transportation infrastructure.
The Governor’s proposal calls for the Road Fund to cover $175 million in spending on public transportation operations in the Chicago region that have been historically paid for by the state’s General Revenue Fund. Road Funds are dedicated for road, bridge, and transit capital improvements. We cannot support this proposal and ask the Legislature to reject any plans that pit transportation needs against each other.
The $175 million loss in road funding would multiply to more than a $1 billion impact in lost road and bridge improvements over the next few years. After decades of inadequate funding, Governor Pritzker and the Legislature invested billions of dollars to improve thousands of miles of roads and bridges – including the largest road program in state history this year. Illinois cannot afford to move backward now.
This policy change does not include any new money for transit operations, nor does it fully meet the need for transit operations. What this proposal does is take money away from other transportation needs, making it impossible to deliver on the promise of sustainable transportation for all modes of transportation.
We encourage the Governor and Legislature to develop and support a new state budget that strongly funds all our transportation infrastructure. Rebuild Illinois is working to put our state on a better path, and we must not bring that progress to a halt this summer.”
Senate GOP Leader John Curran (R-Downers Grove):
“The Governor just proposed raising taxes on every Illinois family struggling to make ends meet to fund the non-citizen welfare state he created. We have made it clear that the citizens of this state are our priority, while today, the Governor made it clear they’re his piggy bank. Our focus will remain on providing meaningful financial relief to the people of Illinois.”
Sen. Tom Bennett (R-Gibson City):
“Once again, the Governor proposed a state budget that does not match the priorities of the people of Illinois.
“He continues to prove that his priorities are misplaced. He is planning to increase taxes by more than a billion dollars to pay for the migrant crisis he created.
“This means people may end up paying more money for the same things, get paid less money for the same work, or both. Illinois taxpayers deserve an open and transparent process that prioritizes spending where it is needed most and shows discipline with their money.
“My focus will remain on the citizens of this state.”
Rep. Ryan Spain (R-Peoria):
“For a Governor who is perpetually trying to sell himself as a friend of business development and job creation, the budget he proposed today runs completely contrary to that notion. Instead of focusing on his future presidential ambitions and competing with California for the title of most progressive state in the nation, I wish we could get serious about growing Illinois’ economy.
“His proposal includes $2.29 billion in additional spending, a 4.5 percent increase, which would leave us with a $775 million deficit. How does he propose to solve his deficit problem? By raising another billion dollars in taxes on job creators and cutting tax deductions for working-class families. We’ve already spent $2.8 billion on healthcare for non-citizens, and he wants to spend another $811 million instead of admitting his sanctuary state policy has hurt our state and is taking money away from vulnerable Illinoisans who should be our first priority.
“One of the few positives I heard from the Governor today was his embrace of a plan I’ve been pushing for years to eliminate the grocery tax. Unfortunately, that is a small consolation in relation to everything else I heard today.
“Illinois has lost population for ten years in a row, and we face the second highest property tax burden in the nation. Putting more pressure on families and small businesses under his proposal is only going to drive more people away. We should be providing tax relief, not asking Illinoisans to pay more.”
Sen. Steve McClure (R-Springfield):
“Despite declining state revenues, the Governor proposed the biggest budget in state history. This time he’s basing it on a billion dollars in tax hikes that will hurt every citizen of this state. At the same time, he’s planning to continue to spend roughly a billion dollars per year on programs for noncitizens that he invited to come here. Meanwhile, my constituents, along with the rest of the citizens of this state, are wondering why they aren’t being prioritized.
Greg Kelley, President of SEIU Healthcare Illinois:
“As a union of frontline workers providing home care, child care and healthcare services, we applaud the Governor's commitment to investing in crucial services in ways that will not only provide much-needed care to more families, but also help provide the economic stability that makes it possible for more workers to enter and stay in caring professions.
"While his leadership as an advocate for providing needed care services was evident in the Governor's address, his proposed funding priorities fall short from what is required to address Illinois' ongoing care crisis.
"We're encouraged by the Governor's commitment to continued increased investment in early childhood education and care, and look forward to working with him to continue to implement Smart Start and the new early childhood state agency, while also investing in the existing early childhood workforce.
"We support the proposed funding increase in the Governor's budget to meet the existing rates and caseload of the growing Community Care Program. However, the budget lacks funding required to address the cause of the state's care crisis—the fact is that the crucial jobs that provide home care and child care services are not good and stable jobs. Care workers struggle with unlivable paychecks and no means or path to retirement. The result is that there are simply too few care workers to provide these services. In the Community Care Program, the number of authorized hours of care for which no caregiver is available is now up to 46% and will only continue to go up failing a real investment in the care workforce.
"Care workers are a stabilizing force both in the state's economy and in the lives of the thousands of working families who rely upon their services. It is our hope that the Governor and the legislature will address the needs of these workers in budget deliberations and add in the funding needed to lift their wages to $20 an hour as a means of stabilizing the workforce for all who need care in the state.
"We look forward to working with the Governor and the legislature to build off of this proposed budget to ensure that home care and child care workers—and the crucial services they provide—are prioritized, and to advocate for the additional investment required to serve the needs of seniors and those who care for them.”
National Federation of Independent Business State Director Noah Finley:
"Governor Pritzker painted a rosy picture of the state of the state today, but—outside the halls of power in Springfield and Chicago—Main Street businesses are experiencing a different reality. Small business optimism remains depressed, as job creators face ongoing inflation, onerous regulations and mandates, and a shortage of qualified labor.”
“To realize the state’s full potential, NFIB calls on Governor Pritzker and the General Assembly to roll back the tax and regulatory burden on small businesses and unleash the dreams and aspirations of current and aspiring job creators and small-business owners across Illinois."
Jack Lavin, president & CEO, Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce:
“The Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce commends Governor Pritzker for introducing a budget that reflects his continued efforts to improve the state’s finances and advance economic development opportunities throughout Illinois. However, we are concerned about the lasting impact proposed revenue generators will have on small businesses still working to recover while facing existing regulatory and financial burdens. We appreciate Governor Pritzker including in his budget a $500 million capital appropriation for quantum development that will allow for potential future federal funding opportunities and support development of an incubator site and related equipment that will generate industry growth and jobs for years to come. We also applaud the governor for his focus on addressing our pension system, which continues to be the most significant fiscal challenge facing the state. As we look ahead at addressing this issue as well as significant budget gaps at both the state and city level, growing our tax base and investing in infrastructure designed to spur economic development and innovation must be a top priority. The Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce stands ready to work with Governor Pritzker and elected officials to champion initiatives that support forward-looking ventures like tech and quantum, build a strong foundation on which businesses can grow and thrive, and help bolster Illinois’ strong workforce to move the state forward towards a brighter economic future.”
Sen. Craig Wilcox (R-McHenry):
“This sounded more like a Fleecing of the Taxpayers speech than a budget address. Rather than responding in a responsible way to a revenue deficit predicted by his own Office of Budget and Management, Governor Pritzker plowed full steam ahead with new spending proposals by asking for $1.1 billion in new taxes.
“The Governor continues to prioritize noncitizens over Illinois families that have lived in this state for decades and generations. It is no coincidence that his request for $1.1 billion in new taxes comes at the same time he anticipates spending roughly that same amount next year on noncitizen programs. Every dollar spent on noncitizens is one less dollar that is spent on vulnerable Illinoisans like veterans, the intellectually and developmentally disabled, and others who truly rely on their state government for assistance.
“The Governor’s priorities are completely out of step with struggling Illinois families, with one exception. After putting a brick on Republican efforts to eliminate the sales tax on groceries for years, the Governor recommended it in his speech as his own initiative.”
Sen. Andrew Chesney (R-Freeport):
“Republicans have been warning Governor Pritzker for years that the COVID relief funds would eventually dry up and that he should exercise restraint with spending. That day has come, and rather than reining in spending, JB Pritzker is barreling forward with the biggest budget ask in this state’s history.
“JB Pritzker is proposing $1.1 billion in new taxes that will not benefit Illinois families. His proposed hike to income taxes and taxes on businesses comes at the same time that he plans to spend even more money on his programs for migrants and illegal immigrants.”
Rep. Tom Weber (R-Lake Villa):
“When the Governor took office a few years ago, the state budget was just over $39 billion. Today, he proposed a $52.7 billion budget, the largest in state history, that spends $2.29 billion more than last year. But, as my Republican colleagues and I have been warning, he doesn’t have federal COVID relief dollars to keep funding pet projects for the never-ending spending appetite that he and his progressive allies possess. So now he wants to increase taxes by a billion dollars on families and job creators to fund his progressive initiatives.
“We’ve already spent $2.8 billion to fund his non-citizen healthcare program and his sanctuary state policy that has flooded our state with migrants, and now he’s proposing we spend another $811 in this budget year. Whether he wants to admit it or not, we wouldn’t need to raise taxes if he prioritized taking care of Illinois citizens first. And sadly, communities across the state and throughout my district are being forced to take matters into their own hands to pass ordinances that discourage migrant bus drop-offs in our communities because they cannot afford to pay for the burden the Governor and Democrats have created.
“As families and small businesses across our state continue to leave because of the ongoing effects of inflation and crushing property tax burdens, we should be talking about how to provide relief that will keep people here and grow our economy. Instead, the Governor is hellbent on taking the title of most progressive state in the country from California and padding his designs on running for president in the future.”
Rep. Tim Ozinga (R-Mokena):
“Today, Governor Pritzker rightly acknowledged that Illinois doesn’t have a revenue problem. However, the Governor and I fundamentally disagree on how additional revenues should be spent. The principle of making 'no little plans' has long guided Illinois, yet funneling more money to the Illinois Arts Council is a small-minded approach to pandering on the margins and does not address the immediate needs of our constituents.
“The Governor bragged that Illinois’ fiscal house is in order, yet hard-working Illinoisians are struggling to afford their own homes. We need bold solutions that fundamentally reform Illinois into a place where every family has the opportunity to flourish economically and pursue their dreams. Families suffering in communities like Harvey don’t need more spending on the arts; they desperately need property tax relief, and that is what I am fighting for.”
Illinois Chamber of Commerce President & CEO Lou Sandoval:
“The Illinois Chamber of Commerce is aligned with the Governor's goal of expanding opportunities for the growth of businesses of all sizes and to continue the expansion of our state's gross domestic product that has surpassed $1 trillion.
We are, however, disappointed by the Governor's proposal to extend the cap on business net operating loss. The cap is nothing more than forced borrowing of funds from Illinois businesses to finance government.
We are also disappointed by the Governor's proposal to reduce the sales tax retailers' discount. This is a stealth tax increase on our retail sector, who are managing increased operating expenses due to rising labor and raw materials forcing them to operate on already razor thin margins.
We appreciate the Governor's unwavering support for education and we are aligned that investing in education is vital to building a brighter future for our communities. We believe strongly that educational optionality should be the right of all our states students, especially those in underrepresented communities which saw significant cut backs due the expiration of the Invest in Kids Act.”
State Comptroller Susana Mendoza:
“This cautious and responsible budget proposal will continue to bring stability and predictability to Illinois finances, building on the work we have done paying down the state’s bills and building up the state’s Rainy Day Fund.
This proposal continues to keep promises to our schools and students by again increasing funding for K-12 and early childhood education.
It continues the progress of restoring state agencies, which were recklessly hollowed out by the previous administration, to the staffing levels needed to provide critical services to the people of Illinois, and it makes needed commitments to public safety, seniors, and children.
But this proposal does not spend recklessly. It keeps spending at responsible levels while making investments in our future.
I’m excited about the proposal to increase the pension funding plan from 90% to 100%. This is something the credit rating agencies support to make sure pensions are fully funded, and will benefit taxpayers, not only by reducing the state’s unfunded pension debt sooner, which is something I continue to work on, but also by – hopefully – leading to more credit upgrades for the state.
I’m glad the governor highlighted the amazing progress made in eliminating the nearly $17 billion bill backlog accrued during the previous administration to an accounts payable. My team at the IOC continues to manage the state’s bills strategically to maximize federal matching funds, pay state vendors for their services faster than the private sector, and keep the state’s bills at a manageable level.
I was very happy to hear the governor speak about his plan to stop insurance companies from gouging consumers.
Governor Pritzker addressed our duty as Illinoisans to meet the manufactured refugee crisis sent here by the governor of Texas.
Yesterday my office launched a transparency portal that tracks all the money we are spending to accommodate the asylum-seekers.
I wholeheartedly support Gov. Pritzker’s vow not to sign a budget that diminishes the state’s credit rating.”
Illinois Federation of Teachers President Dan Montgomery:
“With the budget proposal he detailed today, Governor Pritzker is again demonstrating that he places the education of our children and the needs of Illinois families above all else. The governor's plan will keep Illinois on the path to full funding for public education and fiscal health for our state.
“We appreciate the governor's commitment to our state's PreK-12 public schools and efforts to fund the Evidence-Based Model (EBM) established in 2017. However, without increases beyond the annual $350 million, our schools won’t be fully funded until 2042. We urge the governor and lawmakers to make an increase beyond the required minimum, so another generation of students is not forced to attend underfunded schools.
“With the tightening budget, we also urge the governor and lawmakers to soundly reject any calls to renew a voucher program that would use tax dollars to fund private schools.
"We are glad to see the governor is continuing to put a high priority on early childhood education funding and the Smart Start Illinois Plan, which seeks to provide universal preschool access to every three and four-year old by 2027. Illinois still has a long way to go to achieve education equity, but the Smart Start plan can play a critical role in reaching that important goal.
“We agree with the governor that our state must make higher education more accessible and affordable. To do so, it is essential that we make up for decades of severe higher education underfunding that have resulted in program and staffing cuts, low enrollment, and high tuition at many state colleges and universities. We believe a higher education funding formula, much like the K-12 Evidence-Based Model, should be given serious consideration. While we appreciate the governor's proposed $30 million increase for higher education funding during tight fiscal times, we call on him and lawmakers to do more.
"Though he did not mention it today, we also urge Governor Pritzker and lawmakers to fix the unfair, inadequate Tier 2 public pension system. Only by ensuring that everyone who dedicates their life to public service can retire with dignity and financial security will Illinois address our dire teacher and worker shortage. We know that the governor is committed to funding public pensions and keeping the state’s economy on a sound, steady path. Improving Tier 2 is also an issue of economic fairness for many educators, staff, and public employees.
“This legislative session, our union of 103,000 members looks forward to working with Governor Pritzker and lawmakers to advocate for the needs of Illinois' students and the communities in which we live and serve."
Healthy Illinois Campaign Director Tovia Siegel:
“Not only do the HBIA and HBIS programs deliver life-saving care to low-income older adults and seniors, these programs also save the state money in the long run by helping to prevent the need for more expensive, intensive care. The governor was absolutely right when earlier this month he defended HBIA and HBIS, saying, ‘It saves money if we keep people out of emergency rooms and keep people out of hospitals. It actually saves taxpayers money and that is what this program really does.’ These programs not only benefit enrollees, but boost public health in a fiscally responsible manner.
“The Healthy Illinois Campaign applauds the governor’s increased request for funding. We look forward to working with the Governor and the General Assembly to make sure that these programs reach everyone they are intended for and provide them affordable comprehensive coverage. We recognize the real fiscal challenges facing the state, but urge both the General Assembly and the governor to pass a FY25 budget that fully funds the existing HBIA and HBIS programs as they currently exist in statute, with no caps and no co-pays.
“We look forward to collaboratively engaging the legislature and the Pritzker Administration to find responsible fiscal solutions to ensure these programs, which constitute less than 2 percent of the state's medical assistance budget, can best help save the lives of older Illinoisans.”
Rep. Adam Niemerg (R-Dieterich):
“On the one hand, the Governor wants to end the grocery tax because families are hurting, and on the other hand, he is asking taxpayers in Illinois to pony up more for his lavish spending. We don’t need to create new programs and new spending. We need to reduce costs and lower taxes – not raise them.”
Niemerg said he is opposed to continued spending on illegal immigrants.
“We can’t solve the immigration crisis at the state level. We need to end the Sanctuary State policies in Illinois, and we need to support the Governors on the southern border who are on the front lines of this crisis, and we must join them in calling for border security. This crisis is one of our own making. It can be solved. We need the political will to get it solved.”
“We don’t need to create new line items in the budget.” We need to bring back the Invest in Kids program that helped thousands of kids escape failing schools. We need more accountability in the limited education dollars we spend. Finally, we need to stop the indoctrination in our classrooms and focus on the building blocks kids need to succeed.”
Rep. Blaine Wilhour (R-Beecher City):
“We are staring at a $750 million hole in the budget and not only was the shortfall not even mentioned in the Governor’s speech, but there was also no plan proposed to fix it. The Governor’s spending has gone from $39.5 billion in 2019 to $52 billion in 2025. This spending is not sustainable and, of course, there will be tax and fee increases on the table to address the budget shortfall. What is sad is that if we had at any time in the last 10 years implemented even modest spending reforms, we would be in much better shape financially today.”
“Everyone wants to be humane, but the notion that we are obligated to take everyone who wants to come into our country is absurd. Sorry, JB, but Gov. Abbott is not the problem. Christians are not the problem. The problem is Illinois’ status as a Sanctuary State. If JB Pritzker and Mayor Brandon Johnson really cared about ending the migration to Illinois, then they would end Illinois’s and Chicago’s Sanctuary State status. The issue of immigration is one the State of Illinois and the City of Chicago cannot solve. We need to end the practice of not cooperating with federal immigration officials. We need to stop funding programs for people who are not citizens of this state. And we need our leaders to help the Governors on the southern border by advocating for better border security.”
Rep. Joe Sosnowski (R-Rockford):
“The Governor's budget proposal is a multi-point disaster plan that became a campaign speech in favor of President Biden.
Even though the state has already spent $2.8 billion on undocumented residents and migrants in support Biden's disastrous border policies, the Governor is asking for more. His proposed budget raises taxes to cover the increase in reckless spending. His plan fails to offer any property tax relief to working families or ways to attract new residents or job creators to Illinois.
The Governor continues to support extreme agendas like offering taxpayer-funded abortions (no limits up until birth) for anyone, from anywhere in the United States, including underage children without parents being notified. His plans also promote extreme transgender indoctrination of children in schools and funding of surgeries for underage children.
Finally, the Governor also failed today to support renewing the successful Invest in Kids scholarship program that he helped kill off last year. He is denying tens of thousands of children from low-income families across Illinois the ability to attend the school of their family’s choice.”
Rep. Jehan Gordon-Booth (D-Peoria):
“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.
“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.”
Rep. Brad Halbrook (R-Shelbyville):
“This Governor and Chicago Democrats are continuing to prioritize Illegal migrants over our families that they were elected to represent… and they’re continuing to force us to pay for it! Ending Illinois’ migrant crisis starts with ending Democrat Sanctuary State policies.”
Rep. Dennis Tipsword (R-Metamora):
“Governor Pritzker just proposed the largest budget in state history – $52.7 billion. He and legislative Democrats are preparing to spend hundreds of millions more of YOUR taxpayer dollars on illegal migrants. Increased taxes and threats to our public safety are sure to follow. We need to repeal Illinois’ Sanctuary State status now for the sake of our families and our communities.”
(This feels like a good time to remind you that “sanctuary” status has nothing to do with asylum seekers who are in the country legally.)
Rep. Brad Stephens (R-Rosemont):
"Illinois families deserve relief from the second-highest property tax burden in the nation and record high cost of living. Legislators must work together in a bipartisan fashion to prioritize spending without increasing taxes."
Illinois Retail Merchants Association President & CEO Rob Karr:
“The retail discount is a partial reimbursement to the hard-working retailers across Illinois who collect sales taxes on behalf of state and local governments. Contrary to claims, this proposal does not just target large retail stores but would impact retailers of all sizes, from independent grocers to the corner hardware store. Regardless, it should not fall on retailers to take on all the costs of administering the sales tax code. We look forward to working with the governor and legislative leaders to find a way to preserve this reimbursement and avoid further damage to our state’s retail sector.”
Rep. Charlie Meier (R-Okawville):
“With no more bailouts from the federal government, our state budget is faced with a $775 million deficit. We need to tighten our spending and stop providing Cadillac health care benefits for non-citizens as it’s costing us $2.8 billion. We need a budget that is balanced with a plan to grow our economy, not shrink it.”
Rep. Amy Elik (R-Godfrey):
“The budget proposed spends $2.29 billion more than last year while increasing taxes on businesses. The people I represent don’t appreciate seeing their tax dollars spent on enticing undocumented immigrants to come to Illinois for housing and Cadillac healthcare. Now that Governor Pritzker presented his budget proposal to lawmakers, it’s time for the House and Senate to work together on a budget that reflects the priorities of the taxpayers we represent. I want to see us reach an agreement this year on a budget that is balanced without any tax hikes, eliminates Cadillac health benefits for non-citizens, and provides tax relief for families.”
Rep. Jackie Haas (R-Bourbonnais):
“This year's budget address was disappointing as it is again far from balanced with a deficit of $775 million for FY25. Instead of proposing cuts to address this deficit, we are seeing increased spending for programs we simply cannot afford.
“With record high inflation and taxes, Illinoisans cannot continue footing the bill for out-of-control spending. At a time when Illinois citizens are being forced to practice strict budgeting practices due to the current state of our economy, we should be doing the same.
“Since I came into office, the budget process has been the same each year: Democrats shut out Republican voices while having their discussions behind closed doors. This year, we need a more ethical, transparent process that brings everyone to the table.”
Rep. Brad Fritts (R-Amboy):
“Today we heard this year’s budget priorities from Governor Pritzker. I was deeply disappointed by his divisive, partisan rhetoric that showed us he is more focused on his national political ambitions than the people he was elected to represent.
“Healthcare in rural Illinois is drowning right now. Hospitals are closing and specialty providers are packing up and leaving town. But instead of adequately funding Medicaid reimbursement rates to ensure hospitals across the state are able to keep their doors open, Governor Pritzker is paying an estimated $2.8 billion of taxpayer dollars for undocumented immigrants.
“I am more than willing to come to the table and have these conversations with my colleagues across the aisle, but the doors to bipartisan cooperation remain closed. I urge my colleagues to offer us a seat at the table so that every part of Illinois is represented in the final FY25 budget.”
Rep. Brandun Schweizer (R-Danville):
“The Budget Address marks the beginning of negotiations for the budget, which is the biggest item taken up by the legislature. I am skeptical of the priorities that were expressed by Governor Pritzker today. The Governor did not mention how much has been spent on the migrant crisis taking place in Chicago but did propose another $5 million to housing the migrants. He did not mention the deficit this spending has caused, or what services have suffered due to this expanded spending totaling $2.8 billion. He proposed zero tax relief for items like property taxes, even though Illinois ranks second in the nation for property tax costs but has lost population compared to other states. Prioritizing spending on an already over-funded operations is wrong, especially when there are services cut due to lack of funds.”
“It is astonishing that utility costs, business start-up costs, taxes, and pension debt were not mentioned in the address when the effects of inflation are still rampant. I hope my colleagues on the other side of the aisle see that there is a lot happening in Illinois that warrant portions of the budget. I am a team player and want to see the budget planning to fruition, but I am uncertain if we will all agree to roll back on unnecessary spending,”
Rep. Norine Hammond (R-Macomb):
“Today we saw Governor Pritzker introduce the largest budget proposal in state history. The Governor’s FY25 proposed budget spends $52.7 billion, which is a $2.3 billion increase over the FY24 enacted budget – a 4.5% increase.
“The Governor’s budget plan includes over $1 billion in additional revenue, raising taxes on Illinois families and businesses while providing minimal tax relief. Instead of proposing any substantive cuts to address the projected $775 million deficit, the Governor is asking taxpayers to again foot the bill so that he can cater to his core constituencies.
“Governor Pritzker’s record-high budget does not reflect the shared priorities of Illinois families.
“This budget provides better healthcare benefits for undocumented immigrants than most Illinois families receive. In fact, on Gov. Pritzker’s watch, the State will have spent more than $2 billion in taxpayer funds on healthcare benefits for undocumented immigrant adults. Additionally, the State will have spent $820 million to address Chicago’s migrant crisis.
“In total, over $2.8 billion is being dedicated to services to migrants and undocumented immigrants, while services for our most vulnerable citizens remain chronically underfunded and underserved.
House Republicans support a balanced budget without gimmicks and tax hikes. We support a budget that prioritizes the needs of Illinois working families and seniors over migrants and undocumented immigrants. We will continue to work to pass a balanced budget that protects Illinois taxpayers, properly funds shared priorities, and makes real reforms to improve our economy.”
Rep. Jed Davis (R-Newark):
“Today’s State of the State and Budget Address showed us where the priorities of the Democratic party lie: with undocumented immigrants and far-left activists. Instead of prioritizing the taxpayers who already pay some of the nation’s highest taxes, Governor Pritzker is worried about funding an immigration crisis of the Democrat’s own making.
“Let’s also not forget Governor Pritzker is proposing nearly $1.1 billion in new taxes and transfers, all leading to the largest budget in the state’s history. This trend is simply unsustainable and everyday Illinois citizens will continually suffer from the resulting tax burden. When is enough enough? I pray Governor Pritzker and Illinois Democrats start working across the aisle for everyone in our state, not just people agreeing with their rhetoric or living in their districts.”
