Sangamon Sun

Following the approval of the Fiscal Year 2026 Illinois budget, House Republican Conference Chair Jeff Keicher has expressed concerns regarding the financial direction of the state. The newly passed budget amounts to $55.2 billion, marking an increase in state spending by $2 billion compared to the previous year and introducing $1 billion in tax hikes.

Representative Keicher criticized the growth in state expenditure under Governor Pritzker's administration, noting a significant rise from $40 billion to over $55 billion within six years. "In a mere six years under Governor Pritzker and with gerrymandered Democrat majorities in the legislature, the state budget has ballooned from $40 billion to more than $55 billion," he stated. He emphasized that this increase represents a 38% rise in spending without substantial improvements for families, seniors, and vulnerable groups.

Keicher also pointed out issues related to economic strategies and budgeting practices. "Yet, Democrats are again doubling down on the same failed economic and budgeting strategy that has caused our state to fall behind all our neighboring states for years," he remarked. He highlighted concerns about allocations from road funds, funding for projects favored by Democrats, legislator pay raises amidst financial struggles faced by working families, and additional tax burdens amounting to $1 billion.

He concluded with a call for transparency and prioritization of public needs: "Government doesn’t have its own money; what it spends, it takes from the people. The people deserve a budget that puts families and economic opportunity first, not another budget crafted behind closed doors with tax hikes that will only drive more people out of Illinois."