Rockford Sun

State Senator Dave Syverson has raised concerns over Governor JB Pritzker's $55.2 billion spending plan, describing it as the largest budget in Illinois history. According to Sen. Syverson, this budget marks a nearly 40 percent increase since the administration began in 2019 and necessitates an additional $1 billion in taxes.

“It took 200 years for the state budget to reach around $30 billion; but in just six years, Governor Pritzker has pushed spending to more than $55 billion—the fastest, most dramatic expansion in Illinois history,” stated Syverson. “I have said it before and will say it again: we do not have a revenue problem, we clearly have a spending problem.”

The fiscal year 2026 revenue estimate is set at $55.4 billion with planned spending of $55.2 billion. Syverson criticized this approach for neglecting necessary decisions that could benefit working families in Illinois.

“Whose family can say their household income has grown by nearly 40 percent in just six years? But we’re still footing the bill for Pritzker’s out-of-control spending spree,” he added. “And with the budget he just passed – he’s coming for more—with tax hikes on everyday necessities for families and on small businesses, and job creators.”

Syverson pointed out that one controversial tax would impact all residents of Illinois while its proceeds would support Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and the financially struggling Chicago Transit Authority.

“Starting January 1, 2026, customers would pay a delivery tax on most deliveries to their homes — $1.50 at a time,” noted Sen. Syverson. “It’s a regressive tax that would hit working families, seniors, people who simply can’t afford a car and those on fixed incomes the hardest. For families just trying to make ends meet, it would be yet another burden they didn’t ask for.”

Senator Syverson emphasized his commitment to representing Illinois citizens by collaborating with lawmakers from both parties to achieve a balanced budget that includes structural reforms aimed at enhancing economic growth and employment opportunities.

Fiscal Year 2026 spans from July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026.