South Cook News

On June 7, Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed the state's record-breaking $50.4 billion spending plan into law.

“From the beginning, I promised to work together with the General Assembly to restore fiscal responsibility to our state government after years of mismanagement,” Pritzker said at the signing. “Thanks to our firmer fiscal foundation, we have been able to put billions of dollars back into the pockets of Illinois taxpayers while investing in our future."

“We’ve achieved our state’s strongest fiscal position in generations, and we prioritized the education, public safety, health, and welfare of the residents of Illinois,” Pritzker said, according to Chalkbeat Chicago.

The budget includes setting aside $200 million extra for pension payments, $250 million to fund the first year of Smart Start Illinois and at least $80 million more affordable housing. The state will give $350 million to K-12 public schools.

The Department of Human Services’ programs for trauma, mental and behavioral health gained $50 million, and $1 billion will go to the state’s Rainy Day Fund.

With Illinois ranking among the states where residents pay the highest local and state tax rates, Pritzker is selling his plan as another step in getting the state headed in the right direction.

A pay hike for legislators was set 5.5% but was vetoed by Pritzker and brought down to a 5% increase due to the cap on the COLA's.The annual cost of living increase for state lawmakers is capped at 5% or the rate of inflation, whichever is lower. 

The budget received no support from Republicans.

“While Illinois families struggle, Gov. Pritzker decreased the politician pay [by] a paltry 0.5%. While this change may make it constitutional, it does not make it right," said House Minority Leader Tony McCombie (R-Savanna). "House Republicans will continue to hold the majority party accountable to not only our constitutional rights but also to Illinois taxpayers.”