SPRINGFIELD – It’s been a week since Gov. J.B. Pritzker presented his $56 billion budget proposal to the General Assembly and it’s still being talked about in Springfield.

The budget is the largest in state history with more than $700 million in new revenue. Of that, $589 million comes from tax hikes, and $139 million in redirected funds.  The proposal is roughly $879 million higher than FY26 budget, with a narrow $24 million surplus.

While the governor points to savings and cost containment, overall General Funds spending still rises by $879 million over fiscal year 2026. State Representative Patrick Windhorst (R-Metropolis) said it’s another year with another record budget proposal.

House Republicans say that the governor’s office has emphasized disciplined budgeting, however much of the plan depends on volatile projections and temporary fixes rather than lasting reform.