Quincy Reporter

Governor JB Pritzker has signed into law Illinois' largest government spending plan, exceeding $55 billion. This budget includes nearly $1 billion in new tax increases and depends on budgetary tactics and one-time revenue sources. The Fiscal Year 2026 budget marks a significant increase since Pritzker took office.

State Sen. Jil Tracy (R-Quincy) and her Senate Republican colleagues opposed the plan, citing concerns over record spending, priorities, transparency, and financial burdens on families and businesses. The budget introduces new taxes on vacation rentals, gaming, phone services, nicotine products, and additional business taxes that may impact consumers. Democrats also utilized nearly $400 million in one-time revenue grabs to balance the budget.

Efforts by Republicans to provide tax relief were blocked. While funding continues for programs benefiting noncitizens, services for Illinoisans with intellectual and developmental disabilities are underfunded. Education from Pre-K through 12th grade is also underfunded, with a key property tax relief program eliminated.

Sen. Tracy criticized the spending plan for its growth amid stagnant family incomes, arguing it strains working families and drives employers out of Illinois.

Republican lawmakers have urged Governor Pritzker to veto Senate Bill 328, which they claim would benefit trial lawyers at the expense of jobs and economic growth. They filed a lawsuit in Sangamon County court to enforce the Illinois Constitution’s Three Readings Rule after what they described as an unconstitutional process used by Democrats to pass the bill.

The lawsuit challenges Senate Bill 328's passage without following legislative procedures. The bill would allow lawsuits against out-of-state businesses in Illinois courts for incidents unrelated to the state. Similar legislation was previously vetoed by New York Governor Kathy Hochul.

In another development, the United States Department of Justice (DOJ) opposes Illinois’ 2023 ban on over 170 semi-automatic firearms, including AR-15 rifles. A federal judge ruled the law unconstitutional; however, Illinois is appealing this decision.

Sen. Tracy argues that the ban unfairly targets law-abiding gun owners while DOJ attorneys maintain it violates Second Amendment rights. Thirty-five Illinois State’s Attorneys have filed a brief urging the court to strike down the ban.

Starting July 1st, hotels in Illinois will no longer provide single-use personal care products in rooms due to the Small Single-Use Plastic Act passed last year. Initially applying to hotels with over 50 rooms, it will extend to smaller hotels by January 2026. Violations could result in fines up to $1,500 after initial warnings.