Governor Pritzker Pushes Another Record-Breaking Budget
Governor J.B. Pritzker’s budget address last week drew sharp criticism because it was short on substance and heavy on finger-pointing. Under the Governor’s proposal, government spending would exceed $56 billion, a new record-high for Illinois, and includes more than $700 million in new taxes and gimmicks. Since 2019, Gov. Pritzker has increased government spending by nearly 40 percent, a pace that far exceeds the cost of inflation and any increases Illinoisans have seen in their personal paychecks.
Illinois continues to lag the nation economically while ranking near the top in out-migration, with families and businesses leaving for lower taxes and better opportunities. I saw nothing in the budget address that would reverse those troubling trends.
The recommended budget reduces local government distributions and shortchanges schools. It also underfunds $45 million meant to reduce property taxes and cuts funding for mandated school transportation services. Worst of all, Pritzker’s budget fails to properly fund services and caretaker pay rates for the state’s intellectually and developmentally disabled community.
Two key takeaways: 1) The phrase “property taxes” was not mentioned even once. It’s the biggest issue facing Illinois families, yet it was not mentioned in the Governor’s speech. 2) The words “Donald Trump” were said 13 times during the speech that was supposed to introduce the Governor’s recommended budget for Fiscal Year 2027.
The Governor can try to blame the Trump Administration for Illinois’ financial problems, but it is JB Pritzker and Democrats in Illinois who have increased state spending by $18 billion since Pritzker took office less than eight years ago. It took the State of Illinois nearly 200 years to get to the point where the state budget was $40 billion. Governor Pritzker has increased the budget in just eight years to $56 billion. That’s not due to decisions coming out of Washington. It’s due to decisions made right here in Illinois by a Democrat-controlled legislature.
Following the speech, I addressed the Springfield media corps and offered my thoughts. You can view and hear my remarks here.
Keeping the Chicago Bears in Illinois
The Chicago Bears have long been part of the fabric of Illinois. The Bears are an iconic franchise that brings pride to our communities and drives meaningful economic activity across the Chicago region and state. As discussions continue about the team’s future stadium, Illinois has a clear opportunity to retain a generational asset that supports jobs, tourism, and regional investment.
State and local leaders have been working with the Bears toward a framework for a new stadium development in Arlington Heights. At the same time, officials in neighboring Indiana have advanced a competing proposal in Hammond. This regional competition underscores the significant economic value major sports franchises bring to their home states.
Keeping the Bears in Illinois is the right outcome for our economy and our identity. The team has called our state home for more than a century, and Illinois offers the market strength, infrastructure, and fan support needed for long-term success. Any stadium agreement, however, must be transparent, fiscally responsible, and fair to taxpayers. Projects of this scale should deliver lasting public benefit alongside private investment.
I remain hopeful that state, local, and team leaders can secure an agreement that keeps the Bears in Illinois while protecting taxpayers and strengthening our regional economy.
The Chicago Tribune published an op ed I wrote last month on the issue. You can read it here.
Team DeWitte Delivers Over 5,000 Valentines to Local Seniors
Through my 2026 Valentines for Seniors Card Collection Program, my staff recently delivered over 5,000 Valentine’s Day cards to seniors throughout the 33rd District, reminding them they are valued, appreciated, and never forgotten.
Valentine’s Day is about showing people they matter. Our seniors built the communities we call home, and they deserve to feel appreciated not just on holidays, but every day.
Schools, churches, and residents from across the 33rd District answered the call to create heartfelt cards and notes. What started as a simple gesture turned into a powerful reminder of how much our communities care.
Thank you to everyone who helped make this effort so special for the seniors in our district. Your kindness truly made a difference.
Proposal Supports Small Employers with Tax Credit for Health Reimbursement Arrangements
A new Senate Republican proposal would help small businesses make employee health coverage more affordable by creating a new tax credit for employers that offer Health Reimbursement Arrangements (HRAs).
Senate Bill 3619 is an initiative of the Small Business Advocacy Council. The legislation would establish a tax credit for small businesses that choose to provide HRAs. An HRA is a tool that can help employers reimburse employees for qualified health care expenses and, in some cases, individual health insurance premiums. Supporters say the measure would give small employers another flexible, cost-effective option to offer benefits and stay competitive when trying to attract and retain workers.
While HRAs may not be the right fit for every business, expanding access to benefit options is critical for job creators facing rising costs. SB 3619 is designed to ease the financial burden of providing health benefits and ensure small businesses have more tools to compete, grow, and support their employees.
Senate Bill 3619 has been assigned to the Senate Revenue Committee.