Governor JB Pritzker delivering his State Budget message remotely to the state legislature on Wednesday.
Governor JB Pritzker is proposing a more than 41 billion dollar budget for the next fiscal year that does not raise taxes but does rely on federal relief.
The plan spends less than last year, institutes a hiring freeze, fully funds state government pensions, and closes some corporate tax loopholes that will result in businesses paying more taxes. With a budget deficit, a bill backlog, and a continuing pandemic, Governor Pritzker says this will be one of the most challenging budgets Illinois government has ever had to craft.
“Let’s be clear, congressional action will help us today but it won’t solve Illinois’ remaining fiscal challenges. That’s why any money received by the federal government should be spent wisely by paying down borrowing and our bill backlog.”
Pritzker says education spending will be held flat.
“The federal government has made extraordinary efforts to support schools at this time. With 2.8 billion dollars allocated to Illinois schools thus far and more is expected. Thanks to this funding we can protect our K12 investments at current spending levels. No schools will have to reduce spending and then can focus on meeting the needs of students who have tried to learn in a chaotic and trying time.”
The Governor urges lawmakers to pass ethics reforms this year and to dedicate millions to handling the unprecedented number of unemployment benefits claims filed because of Covid-19.
