Most Illinois state agencies submitted spending cut plans to Gov. JB Pritzker by October 23rd, but his office has not released specifics, citing ongoing review by the budget office. Pritzker spokesperson Andres Correa said the review process aims to maintain the state’s fiscal stability and core services.
Republican lawmakers criticized the lack of transparency, arguing that public access to agency proposals is needed. Rep. Amy Elik, House GOP budget leader, expressed disappointment at not seeing where inefficiencies were identified.
Pritzker’s September 23rd executive order required agencies to find immediate spending reductions and reserve 4% of FY26 General Fund appropriations, responding to concerns that new federal policies could reduce state revenue and increase costs. The governor’s office denied a Freedom of Information request, calling agency proposals draft recommendations exempt from disclosure.
Despite continued revenue growth, Pritzker’s budget office projects a $200 million deficit for FY26, though recent legislative action may offset this. Republicans urge advance planning for potential federal funding cuts and warn that increased spending and new taxes could worsen deficits.
In October, lawmakers passed a measure to “decouple” certain state taxes from the federal tax code to protect state revenue, awaiting Pritzker’s approval. Critics argue this could hurt Illinois businesses and reduce competitiveness.
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