Overview

• Illinois’s fiscal year 2026 budget is $500 million short due to federal funding cuts and a slowing economy, putting pressure on lawmakers to finalize a balanced plan.
• Governor JB Pritzker has proposed raising taxes on casino table games outside Chicago, pausing gas-tax revenue transfers, and eliminating a health care program for noncitizen immigrants under 65 to close the gap.
• The Regional Transportation Authority is requesting a state bailout, warning that without aid, transit agencies like CTA, Metra, and Pace may implement severe service cuts with broad economic impacts.
• Democratic leaders acknowledge limited flexibility in the budget, while Republican lawmakers argue for deeper spending cuts, citing concerns over state priorities.
• While addressing fiscal issues, Pritzker is promoting Illinois business investments at the SelectUSA Investment Summit in Washington and has not ruled out potential future political ambitions, including a presidential run.