Overview

• At $55 billion, the fiscal 2026 budget is the largest in Illinois history
• New taxes on online sports betting, tobacco and vaping products, and a mental health phone surcharge account for the bulk of the revenue increase
• The plan sweeps $100 million from dedicated funds and redirects $137 million from the road fund to cover state employee health benefits
• Pension contributions fall $5.1 billion short of actuarially required levels, leaving $240 billion in liabilities and only $110 million in the rainy-day fund
• Chicago-area transit is still without a solution for a $770 million shortfall, putting service levels and personnel at risk of cuts