Governor JB Pritzker presented his proposed Fiscal Year 2027 budget to the Illinois General Assembly, outlining a $56 billion spending plan that includes nearly $1 billion more than last year’s budget. The proposal seeks $728 million in new revenue, which would come from new taxes on social media platforms and higher gaming taxes.
State Representative Mike Coffey responded critically to the governor’s address. “I’m disappointed the budget address highlighted another record-breaking budget that will increase spending, raise taxes, and make Illinois less affordable,” Coffey said. “This budget increases our spending nearly $1 billion and asks for more from Illinois taxpayers. Illinois families deserve an honest government that works to create a better future through strong public policy. I will stand firm in demanding a truly balanced budget without tax hikes or shady budget tricks and work to make Illinois a place where people can afford to live, work, and raise a family.”
Coffey argued that the proposed budget lacks measures to improve affordability or accountability for Illinois residents. He stated that House Republicans would continue advocating for policies aimed at controlling state spending, reducing taxes for working families and seniors, and opposing additional tax increases.
The state’s increased spending has grown by about 40% since January 2019. Despite high sales and income tax revenues, projections from the Governor’s Office of Management and Budget last October indicated a potential $2.2 billion deficit for FY27 unless further action was taken. To close this gap, lawmakers included new tax revenues and other financial strategies in the proposal.
On energy policy, Coffey raised concerns about the reliability of electricity supply as coal-burning power plants are being phased out under current policies. He pointed out that natural gas accounts for over 16% of Illinois’ electricity generation but faces future restrictions as well. He warned that reliance on solar and wind power could result in higher costs per kilowatt-hour due to storage challenges with battery farms—subsidies for which could cost ratepayers at least $8 billion under recent legislation.
Illinois’ nuclear reactors currently provide more than half of the state’s electricity needs. While no new large-scale reactors have been built since 1987, recent laws have lifted restrictions on new nuclear construction and promoted small modular reactors (SMRs). The Illinois Emergency Management Agency is developing rules to ensure their safe operation.
“If we continue to bet on energy policies that are uncertain of meeting market demand, Illinoisans will continue to see higher rates and less reliability,” Coffey said. “It’s time for Democrats to work with us and adopt legislation we have on the books to lower energy rates and increase supply.”
Coffey was elected as a Republican representative in 2023 for Illinois’ 95th House District, succeeding Tim Butler.
