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Get ready for higher taxes: Gov. Pritzker issues splashy executive order to lay foundation for big tax hike. In “Executive Order 2025-05”, published this week, Gov. Pritzker admitted that Illinois’ economy is going downhill, and issued a text that tried to shift blame to the federal government for Illinois’ longstanding budget woes.
The FY26 budget passed by the Democrat supermajority already included over $1 billion in tax increases, fund sweeps, and other budgetary gimmicks, and was still only barely balanced on paper. Democrats supported and the Governor signed this precariously balanced budget despite multi-year, repeated warnings from credit ratings groups and economists that a recession was on the horizon. Ignoring these warnings will have more of an effect on the FY26 budget than any federal action will.
Pritzker’s Executive Order directs certain State agencies to find 4% across-the-board budget reserves without compromising essential operations. These cuts would be made to the FY26 budget enacted by Pritzker’s fellow Democrats. The budget was signed into law by the Governor in June 2025, and by issuing Executive Order 2025-05, the Governor recognizes that his budget did not correctly forecast State revenue. The drafters of the dysfunctional budget had hoped, without evidence, that State revenue would be able to support the record level of spending demanded by big-government advocates.
Left unstated in the Pritzker EO were facts and data, generated since Pritzker took office in 2019, that show that Illinois’ economy has continuously underperformed the overall U.S. economy, as well as the economies of our neighboring Midwestern states. Throughout this six-year period, Illinois has posted jobless rates that have been higher than the national rate. For example, Illinois’ August 2025 unemployment rate of 4.4% was higher than the national rate of 4.3%, and higher than the rates of neighboring states. For example, Indiana had a jobless rate of 3.6%.
Illinois’ poor economic performance is closely tied to the high tax rates paid by Illinois individuals and businesses. For example, the nonpartisan Tax Foundation ranks Illinois 37th among the 50 states in terms of overall state tax competitiveness. With respect to some individual taxes, Illinois is ranked even worse. For example, when taxes on motor fuel are calculated state by state, the average rate charged in Illinois ranks 49th of the 50 states, with only California charging higher taxes.
We are already more than two months into the FY26 budget cycle, which began on July 1, 2025, and will end on June 30, 2026. This budget continues our State on a pathway that has led to an increase of more than $16 billion in discretionary spending since Gov. Pritzker first took office.
House Minority Leader Tony McCombie spoke to the Center Square this week on Governor Pritzker’s Executive Order, which asked state agencies to identify up to 4% of Fiscal Year 2026 General Funds appropriations cuts.
While Governor Pritzker blamed President Trump for the State having to restrain spending, Leader McCombie had a far different view, saying “Pritzker blaming Trump and not Democratic policies impacting the economy is a smokescreen for more tax increases.”
Further, McCombie released the following statement after the Executive Order was announced:
“We warned that this budget was irresponsible and overspent. Stop passing blame, Governor. Illinoisans aren’t buying that recent policy changes in Washington, D.C. are to blame for the decades of Illinois financial mismanagement.”
Illinois Needs Real Budget Transparency, Not Excuses
Governor Pritzker is blaming Washington for a crisis he created. Since taking office, he has increased state spending by roughly 40% and just signed the largest budget in Illinois history.
Transparency first. House Republicans have demanded real transparency across agencies and the budget process, including time to review billion-dollar bills and clear accounting of dedicated funds. The current process hides the ball and fails taxpayers.
Agency mismanagement. Shining a light on agencies would help fix services for Illinoisans and target funding where it actually works. Even Senator Andy Manar asked agencies on May 7, 2024 to identify $800 million in collective savings. Not a single cut was presented for public review.
The result. Illinois families were handed a $55.2 billion FY 2026 budget, about $2 billion higher than last year, along with $1 billion in tax hikes and fund sweeps. This showed little restraint and ignored the very “threat to our fiscal condition” the Governor talks about. The so-called “balanced” plan leans on fund sweeps, delayed rainy-day deposits, and cuts to priorities like education, public safety, and property tax relief.
Where to cut, today:
Migrant spending
○ HBIA elimination noted, but HBIS still funded at $110 million
○ $40 million for Welcome Centers, reduced from $140 million but still significant
○ $40 million for Immigration Integration
○ $35 million for immigrant services such as legal support
Pork projects
○ “Fund for Illinois’ Future,” a partisan slush fund, receives a $370 million GRF transfer and sweeps from other funds, with a $420 million balance
○ $40 million for Proviso Township High School District 209, in Speaker Welch’s district, for capital improvements and an outdoor sports complex at Proviso West
Bottom line. This crisis did not start in D.C. It is the product of years of unchecked spending, gimmicks, and a closed-door process in Springfield. House Republicans stand ready with concrete cuts and a transparent, line-by-line budget review that protects taxpayers and focuses on core services.
AGRICULTURE
Corn, soybean harvests have begun in Illinois. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), which tracks farming activities in all 50 states, reported that as of the beginning of this week, 12% of the fields planted to corn had been harvested, and 9% of the fields planted to beans had been cut. Both numbers are well ahead of the five-year average for this date.
Conditions for Illinois’ two major cash crops remain relatively good, with 56% of the corn rated as good to excellent and 52% of the beans rated as good to excellent. The same dry conditions that have brought harvesting machinery into the arable fields have, however, created challenges for owners and operators of grasslands. Only 16% of Illinois pastures are in good to excellent shape; operators that run grazing animals, especially cattle, or who harvest hay are looking for more rain to come to our state. In southern Illinois, the planting of winter wheat has begun.
IMMIGRATION
Protecting Our Communities, House Republicans Sponsor Legislation to End Sanctuary State Policies. When former President Joe Biden took office, he flung the southern border of the United States wide open. During his tenure, millions of illegal immigrants poured into the country, overwhelming local, county, and state government resources and costing taxpayers billions of dollars. Out-of-control illegal immigrant crime also took hold, with horrifying examples of gang activity, carjacking, theft, assault, sexual assault, and murder dominating headlines and disrupting life for American citizens.
While Republicans warned that the crisis was spiraling out of control, liberal Governor JB Pritzker and Supermajority Democrats pretended a problem didn’t exist. The governor and his legislative allies favor an Illinois law named the TRUST Act, which encapsulates Illinois’ Sanctuary State laws. House Republicans have been sounding the alarm for years as to the cost both to taxpayers and to the law enforcement community when dealing with the problem of illegal immigration and the lack of cooperation with the Federal government in removing dangerous illegal criminals from the United States since President Trump took office in January 2025.
A legislative effort to repeal the dangerous and failed Sanctuary State policies of the state of Illinois has taken root in the House Republican Caucus. Deputy Republican Leader Norine Hammond says Illinois’ Sanctuary State law is dangerous and costly and must be repealed.
“The surge of illegal immigrants into Illinois under Biden’s Open Border Policy led to a string of horrific crimes, endangered public safety, and blew a huge hole in our already-strained budget,” Rep. Hammond said. “Illinois has spent $3 billion on healthcare and other benefits for illegal immigrants. I will continue to fight for legislation and a state budget that prioritizes the needs of Illinois working families and seniors over illegal immigrants.”
Assistant Republican Leader C.D. Davidsmeyer is the lead sponsor of House Bill 1317, legislation that would repeal the TRUST Act. Davidsmeyer says more than half a million illegal immigrants in Illinois have cost taxpayers billions of dollars.
“Governor Pritzker’s failed sanctuary state policy has cost Illinois taxpayers billions of dollars and made our communities less safe,” said Rep. Davidsmeyer. “With 550,000 illegal immigrants in Illinois, we should be working with the Trump Administration to detain and deport dangerous criminal aliens. That’s why I filed HB 1317 to repeal the TRUST Act and end Illinois’ failed sanctuary state policy.”
State Representative Mike Coffey echoed his colleagues’ sentiments, pointing out that illegal immigrants are treated better by the Pritzker Administration and the Democratic-controlled House and Senate than Illinois citizens.
“I talk to folks from my district often who are working full-time and struggling to pay for healthcare while migrants are receiving free Cadillac healthcare, and it’s not fair to Illinois citizens,” said Rep. Coffey. “House Republicans have championed legislation that would end Illinois’ TRUST Act policies and put Illinois citizens first. We must protect our communities, and it starts with commonsense legislation that improves the quality of life for Illinois taxpayers.”
Estimates peg the total cost of illegal immigrant services provided by the State of Illinois at more than $3 billion. HB 1317 remains stuck in the infamous House Rules Committee, awaiting a public hearing and vote.
JOBS
Granite City Works: A Victory for American Steel and Working Families
By State Senator Erica Harriss and State Representative Amy Elik
Granite City has always been a steel town. Its factories and workers are the heartbeat of our community – providing strong union jobs that support families and fuel the local economy. That’s why the recent decision to continue steel slab production at Granite City Works (GCW) is more than good news – it’s a victory for the Metro East.
Earlier this month, U.S. Steel announced plans to halt slab production at GCW. The impact would have been devastating: hundreds of workers and their families thrown into uncertainty and a community shaken. We knew we had to act.
Our fight to protect these jobs has been ongoing. In 2018, President Trump visited GCW and pledged to revive American steel manufacturing—a promise that led to new tariffs on foreign steel, the return of hundreds of good-paying manufacturing jobs, and the restart of blast furnace B.
But in 2023, GCW faced another blow when primary operations were indefinitely idled. Since then, we’ve worked relentlessly, advocating by sending letters, meeting with officials, and engaging directly with company leaders to keep GCW alive.
In June, we urged President Trump to include GCW in Nippon Steel’s investment plans. When we learned in September that slab production was set to end, we doubled down and contacted Trump administration officials, explored state solutions, and rallied local stakeholders.
Thanks to the decisive intervention of U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick using the “golden share” to hold U.S. Steel accountable, slab production will continue. Secretary Lutnick’s leadership, and his direct engagement with CEO Dave Burritt, delivered a win for our workers and our region.
This outcome proves what persistence, partnership, and community advocacy can achieve. But our work isn’t done. We remain focused on securing long-term protections for GCW and ensuring it remains a pillar of American manufacturing for years to come.
We’ve offered to meet with Secretary Lutnick to discuss these concerns. While we’re happy to travel to Washington, our invitation stands for him to visit Granite City and see firsthand the impact these decisions have on real families and the vital work being done here.
Granite City works because its people work. And together, we’ll keep fighting for every job, every family, and every future in our community.
TAXES
Property Taxes a Top Concern for Illinois Residents. Illinois has topped the list of states with the highest property taxes, which comes as no surprise to many Illinois residents. The burden has made Illinois unaffordable for too many families and particularly weighs heavily on senior citizens and working families. Illinois House Republicans have been vocal about the need for relief and have proposed legislation to bring down costs for families.
State Representative Dan Ugaste (R-Geneva) has proposed real solutions to lower property taxes. House Bill 9 is legislation crafted to set aside part of the state budget for a grant fund to be given to school districts, and in return, requiring them to lower property taxes.
“Illinois has the highest property taxes in the country, and because of that residents are fleeing to neighboring states with friendlier tax environments,” said Rep. Ugaste. “High property taxes drive out our families, businesses, and keep investment from happening. We’re strangling our economy from the inside.”
Amy Elik (R-Alton), who serves as House Republican Deputy Budgeteer, has been outspoken in highlighting the need for property tax relief.
“My district borders Missouri, and when I talk to my constituents I constantly hear about the lower taxes across the border,” said Rep. Elik. “If we want to stop the flow of residents leaving our great state, the legislature must stop raising our residents’ taxes. Our seniors suffer under the weight of crushing property tax bills, young families cannot afford to own a home, and our residents are begging for relief. The people of Illinois are tapped out, and deserve relief now.”
Other House Republican measures to lower property taxes include:
● HB 0009- Ugaste- Property Tax Relief
● HB 1321- Ugaste- Tax District Surplus
● HB 1746- Sosnowski- Homestead Exemption
● HB 2543- Sosnowski- Taxpayer Empowerment
● HB 3723- Sosnowski- Senior Exemption
● HB 3724- Sosnowski- General Homestead
● HB 4010- Weber- Property Tax Extensions
● HB 4011- Weber- Assessment Limit
The House Republicans will continue to advocate for proposals that would deliver property tax relief for Illinois homeowners.
Illinois Department of Revenue announces 2025 Tax Amnesty Program
The window to pay past-due State taxes will open on Wednesday, October 1, and will close on Monday, November 17. During this six-week period, Illinois taxpayers will have the opportunity to pay past-due taxes without penalties or interest. The payments of taxes due must be made in full during this time period. This tax amnesty has been declared as a result of legislation adopted by the Illinois General Assembly in May 2025.
After the tax amnesty window closes, liable taxpayers making past-due tax payments will be required to pay not only the full amount of the taxes that are due, but also the penalties and interest payments that are set forth by statute and administrative law. These may create substantial additional liabilities for past-due taxpayers. Individuals and businesses in this category are urged to consult their tax advisors for guidance.
The window to pay past-due State taxes will open on Wednesday, October 1, and will close on Monday, November 17. During this six-week period, Illinois taxpayers will have the opportunity to pay past-due taxes without penalties or interest. The payments of taxes due must be made in full during this time period. This tax amnesty has been declared as a result of legislation adopted by the Illinois General Assembly in May 2025.
After the tax amnesty window closes, liable taxpayers making past-due tax payments will be required to pay not only the full amount of the taxes that are due, but also the penalties and interest payments that are set forth by statute and administrative law. These may create substantial additional liabilities for past-due taxpayers. Individuals and businesses in this category are urged to consult their tax advisors for guidance.