Sen. Belt, Others Issue Reactions To Pritzker's Proposed Budget

Belt reacts to FY 27 budget proposal

SPRINGFIELD – After hearing the governor’s budget proposal for Fiscal Year 2027, State Senator Christopher Belt (D-Swansea) released the following statement:

“Even though the federal government has put funding for many Illinois programs on the chopping block, Illinois families and small businesses cannot afford any new taxes. Democrats and Republicans have to work together over the next several months to pass a balanced budget, because at the end of the day, that’s what families in the Metro East care about.”

Marsie Geldert-Murphey Applauds $1 Billion in Medical Debt Relief, Vows to Expand Affordability Efforts in Illinois Senate

ALTON – Marsie Geldert-Muphey, candidate for the Illinois State Senate, today praised Illinois’ elimination of more than $1 billion in medical debt for over half a million Illinoisans, praising the decision as a powerful reminder of how state leaders can make the right decisions to lower costs and protect working families.

“Healthcare is more than policy, it’s personal for many families including my own.”

“After a devastating accident left me in a coma for eight days, my family avoided bankruptcy because I had strong union health insurance. Every family deserves that kind of security. No one should have to choose between getting care and an avalanche of bills.

“Illinois’ decision to erase more than $1 billion in medical debt shows what we can do at the state level to fight back against rising costs and harmful federal policies. When families are bearing the brunt of higher insurance premiums, grocery prices and economic instability, we have a responsibility to act.

“Medical debt is one of the leading causes of bankruptcy. This program delivers real relief to working families and seniors who need it most. And, it proves that smart, innovative policy at the state level can directly improve lives.

“As your State Senator, I will fight federal clawbacks and work to stabilize health care costs. I’ll continue pushing forward-thinking solutions that bring tangible relief to the families in the 56th District."

Statement from the Illinois Clean Jobs Coalition on Gov. Pritzker’s Proposal to Pause the Data Center Tax Credit

Statement from the Illinois Clean Jobs Coalition on Gov. Pritzker’s Proposal to Pause the Data Center Tax Credit

SPRINGFIELD — In response to Governor JB Pritzker announcing a proposal to pause the data center tax credit in his budget address, the Illinois Clean Jobs Coalition (ICJC) released the following statement:

“The Illinois Clean Jobs Coalition welcomes the Governor’s proposal to pause the data center tax credit as the General Assembly looks to take holistic action this Spring to protect consumers from skyrocketing electricity bills. As data centers continue to consume massive amounts of electricity and water while bringing pollution to our doorsteps, it is critical we reassess this industry, its impacts on Illinois, and the taxpayer handouts offered to them, which as of the end of 2024 totalled close to $1 billion in tax benefits.

“ICJC proposed the POWER Act (SB4016/HB5513) this spring to put commonsense guardrails on data center development and ensure Big Tech pays their fair share. By paying for their own power needs and requiring transparency and clear commitments to clean energy and community benefits, we can ensure data center growth benefits Illinoisans and not the other way around. We urge state leaders to build on this momentum by advancing the POWER Act this spring to protect ratepayers, strengthen grid reliability, and deliver responsible, equitable growth.”

Economic Security Illinois Applauds Gov. Pritzker for Backing Hidden Junk Fees Ban in Budget Address

Governor Highlights Affordability and Corporate Greed in Budget Address, Continues Investments in EITC and CTC

SPRINGFIELD, IL – In response to Governor JB Pritzker backing Economic Security Illinois’ proposal to ban hidden junk fees in a budget address focused on affordability and corporate greed, ESIL Director Sarah Saheb released the following statement:

“Illinois families are being squeezed by rising costs at every turn, and hidden junk fees only make it harder for working people to fairly participate in our economy and afford the basics. We applaud Governor Pritzker for taking on corporate greed and backing a proposal to ban these deceptive fees. This is exactly the kind of consumer protection working families need to make life more affordable.

“We’re also encouraged by the Governor’s broader commitment to an affordability agenda that includes continued investments in the Earned Income Tax Credit and the Child Tax Credit. These are proven tools that put thousands of dollars directly back in families’ pockets and help parents cover essentials like rent, groceries, childcare, and transportation. Together, cracking down on junk fees to fix our broken markets and investing in tax credits to fix broken incomes, ensures our economy works for everyone and helps working families thrive.”

Hidden Junk Fees: ESIL, through our affiliate Economic Security Project Action, has been working towards legislation to ban hidden junk fees in Illinois for years, most recently securing Senate passage in 2025. The bill targets mandatory fees tacked onto purchases that provide little to no value and are not disclosed to consumers upfront. These deceptive practices, often labeled “convenience” or “processing fees,” impact Illinoisans across a range of purchases, including buying tickets to a live event, booking a hotel, or ordering food via delivery apps. These charges lead to inflated costs for everyday consumers, with Consumer Reports estimating the average family of four loses approximately $3,200 a year on junk fees.

Child Tax Credit (CTC): Following a robust advocacy campaign from Economic Security Project Action and its partners, the state’s first-ever Child Tax Credit was created in the fiscal year 2025 state budget. The 2026 state budget delivered on a promise to scale up the program to a $600 credit with $100 million in funding, which is sustained in the 2027 budget proposal. Families at or below median income with at least one child age 12 and under are eligible for the program. This year, ESPA and its partners will pursue a fix to the CTC that ensures the lowest-income earners can receive the full credit.

Earned Income Credit (EIC): This year’s budget continues to invest in the state EIC. For most Illinoisans earning approximately $70,000 or less, this will put hundreds of additional dollars back in their pockets, with a maximum state credit of approximately $1,600 depending on income level and dependents. ESPA led a coalition in 2022 that successfully expanded the EIC to nearly 1 million Illinoisans who were previously ineligible due to age or immigration status and increased the credit for all eligible Illinoisans. All Illinoisans otherwise eligible for the federal Earned Income Tax Credit are also eligible to receive this additional credit via the state.

Statement from Illinois EDC's Christy George
Commending Governor JB Pritzker's FY27 Budget Proposal

CHICAGO, February 18, 2026 – “Governor Pritzker’s proposed budget reflects the kind of disciplined and forward-thinking fiscal leadership that strengthens Illinois’ long-term economic competitiveness. By prioritizing site readiness, sustaining funding for the Prime Sites capital grant program, and expanding support for vocational centers, this proposal ensures Illinois communities are prepared to compete — and win — major business investments, unlocking opportunity for Illinois families and communities,” said Illinois Economic Development Corporation President and CEO Christy George.“Illinois is already the nation’s top producer of nuclear power, and clearing a pathway for the next generation of nuclear development will secure Illinois’ leadership, adding to the energy supply while affirming the state’s clean energy commitment. Additionally, enhancing the flexibility of the state’s R&D tax credit incentivizes foundational work that can further propel Illinois’ strong life sciences and advanced manufacturing industries. After years of work to right Illinois’ fiscal ship, this budget again does the hard work of stabilizing the state budget while also positioning Illinois for strategic growth.”

IARF: Budget Maintains Stability for Disability Services, More Opportunity for Progress Ahead

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Association of Rehabilitation Facilities (IARF), representing community providers serving Illinoisans with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) and serious mental illnesses, today issued the following statement in response to the Governor’s proposed state budget:

“In the face of significant fiscal uncertainty, we thank Governor Pritzker for his ongoing support of the Direct Support Professional workforce, the needs of individuals who have chosen to leave public institutions to live in community settings, and the broader developmental disabilities service system. Stability matters for individuals receiving services, their families, and the staff who provide essential daily care. The Governor’s budget continues to reflect that commitment while highlighting areas where further strengthening of the system remains possible.

“Knowing providers across Illinois continue to face workforce shortages, increasing transportation expenses, and growing demand for community employment and therapeutic supports, we must measure this proposal against what we know is needed to adequately fund the current service array — outlined by Representative Laura Faver Dias in HB 4969 and Senator Dave Koehler in SB 3427 — legislation that would fully fund the Guidehouse rate study.

“We need to further understand the proposed reductions in spending on some key grants that support very specific developmental disabilities and behavioral health services and their potential implications for Illinois’ social safety net.

“We remain grateful for the strong partnership we have built with Governor Pritzker, the Department of Human Services, and the General Assembly in recent years. That collaboration has produced measurable improvements in quality of care and system stability, and we look forward to continuing that work.

“As budget discussions move forward, we urge policymakers to view this proposal as a starting point to advance continued progress. Sustained investment in the workforce, community services, and implementation of long-planned system improvements will help ensure Illinois remains on a path toward a stronger, more sustainable disability and behavioral health services system.”

Democratic Party of Illinois Statement on Governor JB Pritzker’s Eighth State of the State

Springfield, IL — Following Governor JB Pritzker’s State of the State and Budget Address, Democratic Party of Illinois Chair Lisa Hernandez released the following statement:

“In the midst of Donald Trump stealing several billion dollars from Illinois taxpayers, today Governor JB Pritzker presented a roadmap for our state that puts both working families and fiscal responsibility first. The Governor unveiled a common sense plan that makes home ownership not just a dream for working people, but a reality within reach. He shared a vision for lowering Illinoisans’ energy bills while increasing production across the state. The Governor’s plans for critical infrastructure investments and civil rights protections come in the face of Republicans defunding health care, public safety, and food programs. Focusing on relieving economic stress for working families and protecting our budget from Trump’s political punishment that hurts real people, proves once again that our state is a model for how to fight back against the White House’s abuses.

“Finally, the Governor stood against ICE’s violence against Illinoisans and firmly for being on the right side of history. To Donald Trump's mouthpieces and loyalists in Congress and the General Assembly, take note, this is how you put the people of Illinois first,” said DPI Chair Lisa Hernandez.

Throughout Donald Trump’s abuse of White House authority, Illinois has been a target for his political rage. As Governor Pritzker and several members of the Illinois Democratic delegation continue to stand on the front lines of protecting quality of life in Illinois, Illinois Republicans have remained mum.

Manufacturers Statement on 2026 State of the State and Budget Address

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Manufacturers’ Association (IMA) today released the following statement in response to the Governor’s annual State of the State and Budget Address:

“Illinois has always been on the forefront of innovation, from the origination of nuclear power and the creation of the cell phone, to the development of life-saving therapies and the establishment of the nation’s largest quantum computing project. Manufacturers are proud to be a big part of that legacy, and we’re encouraged by efforts to maintain the momentum by investing in our workforce, streamlining permitting processes and increasing production of reliable, affordable energy,” said Mark Denzler, president and CEO of the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association. “In order to truly foster an innovation economy, we must remain focused on supporting businesses and job creators seeking to locate and grow in Illinois, not putting up new barriers to entry in the form of higher taxes, more regulations, and fewer incentives. It’s also critical that Illinois live within its means. While this budget proposal largely holds the line on new spending, it comes amid efforts by the legislature to add billions of dollars in higher taxes that will fuel new spending – most of which will be funded by job creators, which increases costs on consumers and makes it more difficult for businesses to hire and grow. We look forward to working collaboratively with the Governor and General Assembly to ensure Illinois remains competitive and on the cutting-edge of technological advancement and economic investment.”

IML Statement on Preserving Local Authority to

Implement Housing Programs
SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Municipal League (IML) released the following statement regarding the importance of preserving municipal authority to implement local housing programs:

Governor JB Pritzker’s proposal in today’s State of the State Address includes provisions establishing statewide zoning standards, including minimum lot sizes, increased residential density allowances, legalization of accessory dwelling units, limitations on parking requirements and changes affecting local development review and inspection processes. These proposals also reference the creation of a statewide formula related to impact fees.

IML recognizes that housing costs and supply challenges are impacting communities and municipal leaders share the goal of expanding housing opportunities for all. While the proposed capital investment in housing and municipal infrastructure are both necessary and appreciated, the regulatory infringements represent a significant shift in longstanding local zoning and land use authority based on the unique needs, capacity and priorities of individual communities.

“This is a broad preemption of authority on an issue that is entirely local,” said IML Chief Executive Officer Brad Cole. “Promoting positive local development builds good communities. Zoning and land use decisions are best made locally by the leaders elected in those communities. To the extent there are concerns, rightfully, is an issue with the cost or availability of housing in Illinois, the issue is not caused by comprehensive planning and local zoning. This is another example of where one-size-fits-all statewide mandates are unworkable and will damage communities.”

Illinois communities vary widely in geography, population density, infrastructure capacity and housing demand. Uniform statewide standards cannot adequately reflect those differences or the planning efforts underway or completed in many municipalities.

Local officials look forward to reviewing the full legislative language of any proposals and engaging with the Governor’s Office and members of the General Assembly to ensure that reforms balance statewide policy goals with the preservation of local authority for land use and zoning.

IPHCA Statement on Governor Pritzker’s State of the State and Budget Address

SPRINGFIELD -- The Illinois Primary Health Care Association (IPHCA) commends Governor JB Pritzker for his continued leadership and commitment to expanding access to affordable healthcare across Illinois. His focus on reducing the cost of care, relieving medical debt, and strengthening the healthcare delivery system re?ects a clear understanding of the challenges facing patients and providers alike. These priorities align closely with the mission of community health centers, which serve as the primary source of care for more 1.5 million Illinoisans living in underserved urban and rural communities.

We are encouraged by the Governor’s e?orts to make healthcare more a?ordable for working families and to invest in programs that expand access to essential services statewide. Community health centers are on the front lines of delivering primary, preventive, and behavioral health services, and state support for a?ordability and access directly strengthens their ability to meet growing patient needs and address persistent health disparities.

In alignment with the Governor’s call to lower costs for families across Illinois, IPHCA is advancing HB 2371 SAM2 — the Patient Access to Pharmacy Protection Act. Far too many seniors, working families, and individuals living with chronic conditions are burdened by extreme medication prices. No one should ever have to choose between ?lling a prescription and paying their bills. HB 2371 SAM2 has already passed the Senate to protect the 340B program. We now urge the House to call this bill to the ?oor and move it forward without delay. Illinois families cannot a?ord to wait.

IPHCA looks forward to continuing our partnership with the Governor and the General Assembly to advance policies that sustain and strengthen Illinois’ community health center network, ensuring that every resident – regardless of income, zip code, or insurance status – can access high-quality, comprehensive care.

Response from the University Professionals of Illinois to the Governor’s FY27 Budget Address

SPRINGFIELD, IL - University Professionals of Illinois (UPI, Local 4100) President and Illinois Federation of Teachers (IFT) Membership Secretary John Miller issued the following statement today in response to Governor JB Pritzker’s budget address that once again leaves Illinois higher education on our state's cutting-room floor.

“The Governor’s FY27 budget continues a decades-long pattern of underfunding public higher education in Illinois. With a meager 1% increase for public universities and no additional money for Monetary Assistance Program (MAP) grants for students with the greatest need, the Governor should be embarrassed to make these proposals.

“Higher education in Illinois has already lost millions because of federal cuts under the Trump administration. And as the Governor said today, inflation continues to rise and the cost of everything is ‘too damned expensive’. He’s right, it is - including the price tag to receive a higher education in this state.

“In light of all of this, the Governor’s proposal to increase higher education funding by just 1% is no increase at all – it’s a cut. It will force already strained colleges and universities to offset the losses with tuition hikes, program reductions, and staffing cuts while our students take on more debt. Students will flee Illinois in even greater numbers to find affordable education options elsewhere, or worse, give up on their dreams altogether.

“Just yesterday, hundreds of IFT members, including higher education professionals and students, converged on Springfield for a Lobby Day to hold a press conference, demonstrate outside the Governor’s office, and deliver a letter demanding he fulfill his promise to fund education from Pre-K to Ph.D. Our message was clear: Students can’t wait any longer.

“Our state owes public higher education more than $1.4 billion. While the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is funded at roughly 90% of adequacy, most other public universities - particularly our regional institutions that so many students rely on - operate at less than 70%, with some as low as 45%. This is not sustainable and it’s not acceptable. We can and must do better in Illinois.

“The Governor must immediately release the $25 million dollars in already approved funds for higher education that he is withholding this fiscal year. Our students, colleges and universities desperately need these funds now, and there is no logical reason to withhold them.

“Platitudes will not solve this crisis, investment will. Governor Pritzker and our lawmakers must pass the Adequate and Equitable Public University Funding Formula (SB13/HB1581). This legislation would fully and fairly fund our universities by establishing a student-centered, adequacy-based model that accounts for institutional size, demographics, and other factors to determine what each university truly needs to serve its students.

“When our state leaders set priorities, they always find the money to make them a reality. When will our students and the future of our state be a priority? Higher education is already over the cliff. We demand that Governor Pritzker and our lawmakers act now."

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