Illinois ended fiscal year 2025 with a record $54 billion in revenue, but the state still faces uncertainty as Congress considers drastic reductions to the social safety net and aid to states.
Ben Szalinski
Posted inNews
We think about the state in the same way’: Mitchell ready to back up Pritzker
Christian Mitchell, a former Illinois state legislator and deputy governor, has been selected by Governor JB Pritzker as his running mate for the 2024 election, bringing with him a wealth of experience in state government and a commitment to addressing cost-of-living concerns for Illinois residents.
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Pritzker selects former Deputy Gov. Christian Mitchell as running mate
Gov. JB Pritzker has chosen Christian Mitchell, his former Deputy Gov. and a longtime political advisor, as his running mate for the 2026 gubernatorial campaign.
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Illinois’ $55.2B budget ‘incomplete,’ Civic Federation president says
The Illinois budget raised $1 billion in new revenue, increased spending by over $2 billion in FY26, and used fund sweeps and pausing transfers to balance the budget, with some critics arguing that the process was chaotic and nontransparent.
Posted inPolitics
New taxes on sports bets, nicotine products as Democrats pass $55.2B budget
Spending plan raises over $1B in revenue; income, sales taxes not affected Giving almost no time for public review, Illinois Democrats pushed through a $55.2 billion budget for next fiscal year late Saturday, bolstering coffers with new taxes on sports bets, nicotine products and businesses. The $55.2 billion spending plan is supported by $55.3 billion […]
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State revenue projections improve as economic uncertainty grows
COGFA’s revised revenue forecast for FY26 is $266 million higher than its March estimate, but still $471 million below the governor’s February proposal, while Pritzker’s proposed budget is based on a December S&P Global forecast that projected stable economic growth and considered some of Trump’s proposed economic policies.
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Illinois’ Top Democrats Endorse Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton in 2026 Senate Race
U.S. Sen. Tammy Duckworth and Gov. JB Pritzker have endorsed Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton in the 2026 Democratic primary for Illinois’ open seat to replace longtime Sen. Dick Durbin.
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Lawmakers moving forward on public defender reform
Illinois lawmakers are considering creating a statewide public defender’s office to provide more resources and better services to defendants in the state.
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Illinois House Rejects Bill Allowing some Youth Offenders to Seek Release
The Illinois House voted down a bill that would have allowed certain youth offenders who were sentenced to life in prison to be eligible for release after 10 years, with exceptions for murder and murder of a victim under 18.
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Pritzker’s Mexico Trip Aims to Boost Illinois Economy Despite Trade Tensions
Gov. JB Pritzker returned from a four-day trade mission to Mexico City, where he met with Mexican business leaders to explore setting up new operations in Illinois, despite the uncertainty and potential economic harm caused by President Trump’s proposed tariffs on Mexican goods.
