Quincy Reporter

The scheduled session day was recently canceled by the Speaker, leaving only two weeks until the planned adjournment. However, House Republicans have not yet been included in discussions on drafting a budget proposal in the House.

Governor Pritzker was compelled this week to admit that his previously proposed "balanced" budget for this spring is likely to be $800 million out of balance. The Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability (COGFA) confirmed this deficit, largely attributed to resistance against multiple tax increases proposed by the Governor and intended to cover increased spending.

The Governor has sent a memo this week attempting to garner support for his tax increases by threatening budget cuts. Although cuts would indeed be a responsible approach, it is clear that we have not heard the last of the Governor's proposed or alternative tax increases as a means to fill their budget hole.

In other news, Illinois is set to establish a new Department of Early Childhood. This new department will focus on early childhood programs currently split among the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS), the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS), and the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE). The creation process for the Department of Early Childhood, expected to take two years, aims to enable a merged, integrated agency's operation in FY27, starting in 2026.

The enactment of Senate Bill 1 initiates the transition towards creating this new department. The House approved its creation on Thursday with a vote count of 93-18-0.

Meanwhile, licensing delays continue at the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (DFPR), which awards licenses to most professionals. These delays are particularly concerning as professionals require current licenses to legally perform their jobs. Numerous incidents have been reported where residents complete licensure paperwork and send payment to DFPR but receive no response for weeks. The Department attributes these delays to being "backed up" and claims they have been working for over a year to install a new computer software program. However, none of DFPR's promises regarding licensure software modernization have been fulfilled.

Lastly, we extend our warm wishes for Mother's Day Sunday to all the incredible mothers who contribute so much to others' lives. It is essential to show appreciation for the mothers in your life on this day and every other day.