Sangamon Sun

House Republicans have proposed a balanced budget of $52.1 billion for the State of Illinois for FY 2025, in accordance with subsection (b) of Section 2 of Article VIII of the Illinois Constitution. This constitutional provision mandates that fiscal year appropriations must not exceed funds estimated by the General Assembly to be available during that year.

Under subsection (a) of Section 4 of the Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability Act, both the House and Senate are required to adopt or modify the Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability’s State revenue estimates for the fiscal year as appropriate. The joint resolution's estimate is considered as the General Assembly’s estimate under paragraph (b) of Section 2 of Article VIII of the Constitution.

Regrettably, it has been ten years since the General Assembly adhered to these Constitutional and State statutes by adopting a revenue estimate through a joint resolution. In FY 2015, HJR 100 set forth revenue estimates totaling $35.4 billion, including $31.1 billion in total State revenue and $4.3 billion in federal revenue.

The Governor’s Office of Management and Budget (GOMB) projected an FY 2025 General Funds revenue total of $52.993 billion in its FY 2025 Budget Book. However, this projection is significantly higher than the Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability's March-published FY 2025 revenue estimate of $52.077 billion—a difference of $916 million.

It is crucial to note that CGFA’s revenue estimate is based on current law while GOMB's projection includes several proposed tax increases requiring changes to State law amounting to approximately $1.1 billion. These proposed tax hikes face significant opposition from both parties in the General Assembly.

In line with constitutional authorization, Deputy Republican Leader Norine Hammond and the House Republican Caucus filed a Joint Resolution this week—HJR 72—seeking to adopt CGFA’s revenue estimate for FY 2025. They also urged the General Assembly to enact a budget that meets its Constitutional requirements.

In other news, House Republicans have introduced legislation aimed at enhancing protections for victims of human trafficking and prosecuting perpetrators. This move comes after Illinois received another failing grade from Shared Hope International, an advocacy organization working to prevent sex trafficking.

State Representatives Jeff Keicher and Nicole La Ha highlighted the urgent need for improved victim protections during a news conference. Seven bills focusing on protections for minors and prosecuting perpetrators have been proposed by House Republicans.

House Bill 5465, which allows a human trafficking victim to have their juvenile record sealed or expunged, unanimously passed the House on April 17 and awaits Senate consideration. Meanwhile, House Bill 5467, which removes the statute of limitations for a victim to press charges of trafficking, involuntary servitude, and involuntary sexual servitude when the victim was a minor, also unanimously passed the House on April 17.

The State of Illinois is set to establish a new Department of Early Childhood. The department will specialize in early childhood programs currently within several existing departments. Creation of this new department is expected to enable operation of an integrated agency starting in calendar year 2026.

A lawsuit seeking substantial monetary damages for alleged acts of sexual abuse involving residents and detainees at state juvenile justice centers has been filed this week. These centers are administered by licensed entities, counties, and by the State of Illinois.

Finally, House Republicans expressed concerns over continued licensing delays by the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (DFPR). The DFPR has reportedly been slow in processing applications for new licenses or renewals—an issue that has affected thousands of professionals across Illinois.