Sangamon Sun

On Wednesday, Governor JB Pritzker signed into law a $53.1 billion spending plan, the largest budget in Illinois state history. This Fiscal Year 2025 budget exceeds last year's by $2.6 billion and includes pay raises for politicians and $1 billion allocated for non-citizens. Additionally, Democrats voted for $1 billion in tax hikes to support the increased spending.

House Republicans unanimously opposed the budget and tax increases. House Minority Leader Tony McCombie (R-Savanna) criticized the budget as a "negligent political document" that imposes a significant burden on Illinois families due to increased taxes and overspending while neglecting necessary reforms.

Rep. Coffey expressed disappointment over the exclusion of Republican input in crafting the budget, stating: "Democrats in the General Assembly worked behind closed doors to craft a record-spending $53.1 billion budget for the State of Illinois... Nearly $1 billion in tax hikes will be felt across the state as taxpayers brace themselves to support the ongoing migrant crisis."

The May 2024 report from the Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability (CGFA) indicated a decline in general funds revenues compared to May 2023, with shortfalls primarily due to decreased federal funds and personal income tax payments.

Despite holding a supermajority, Democrats faced challenges passing more than $1.1 billion in revenue increases needed to balance the FY25 budget. It took three attempts after 4 a.m., with procedural maneuvering by Republicans before finally securing passage at 4:43 a.m.

Earlier this week, Sangamon County Judge Gail Noll blocked a change to state election law proposed by Democrats that would affect office vacancies and ballot questions. The ruling prevents these changes from taking effect during this year's general election but does not nullify them entirely.