Quincy Reporter

State Senator Jil Tracy of Quincy has urged Governor JB Pritzker to prioritize the needs of Illinois residents over national ambitions. In a statement, Tracy criticized the Governor's proposed $55.4 billion budget, describing it as unsustainable and detrimental to the state's financial health.

During his annual Budget Address delivered on February 19 in Springfield, Governor Pritzker outlined a spending plan marking the largest budget in Illinois' history, reflecting a 37 percent increase since he assumed office in 2019.

"Gov. Pritzker has made it abundantly clear that Illinoisans are not his priority," stated Tracy. She expressed concerns about what she termed "out-of-control spending" and questioned recent claims by the administration about discovering additional funds. "Last week, Illinois had a $3.2 billion budget hole. Now, as if by magic, the Governor says they’ve ‘found’ $2 billion."

Tracy emphasized the need for transparency and accountability from state leadership, urging fellow lawmakers to unite in advocating for taxpayer interests over political agendas. "Illinois families deserve better than political ambition over practical solutions," she said, referencing a shift in Pritzker's stance on tax increases. “After promising that tax hikes wouldn’t be on the table, he’s now saying 'taxes should not be the first, but rather the last resort.'"

As discussions around the Fiscal Year 2026 budget commence—spanning from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026—Tracy expressed her willingness to collaborate with legislators across party lines to achieve a balanced budget featuring structural reforms aimed at enhancing economic growth and employment.