Governor J.B. Pritzker’s budget address Wednesday drew mixed reactions, even from usual supporters, while Senate Republicans condemned the record $55.4 billion spending plan—the largest in state history—as unrealistic and burdensome for taxpayers. If passed, it would mark a 37% increase in annual state spending since he took office, far outpacing the growth of the average family’s income.

Adding to the skepticism, just weeks earlier, the Governor’s budget office projected a $3.2 billion deficit. Gov. Pritzker now claims his office has “found” more than $2 billion in additional revenue. With no official economic report to support the claim, critics labeled it “fuzzy math,” calling for transparency instead of political games.

The budget also includes tax hikes on businesses, costs that would inevitably hit consumers. Compounding concerns, Democrats have revived a progressive tax plan that would make future income tax increases even easier—especially if revenue projections fall short. Republicans argue that Gov. Pritzker’s refusal to rein in spending shouldn’t come at the expense of hardworking Illinoisans.

For years, Senate Republicans have urged Gov. Pritzker to stop spending over $1 billion annually on free healthcare and other programs for noncitizens and prioritize struggling Illinois families. While his proposal to cut $400 million from the program is a step in the right direction, many remain skeptical. Republicans say they’ll believe it when they see it and will continue holding him accountable because Illinoisans deserve leaders who put their needs first—not empty promises.

Economic concerns remain front and center. Since Gov. Pritzker took office in 2019, Illinois has lost nearly 60,000 jobs and now has the third-highest unemployment rate in the nation. In 2024 alone, the state saw a 25% spike in manufacturing layoffs, with over 13,000 layoff notices issued. Critics argue these numbers highlight why more government spending isn’t the solution.

Noticeably absent from the Governor’s speech was any mention of property tax relief. With Illinois families facing some of the highest property taxes in the nation, Senate Republicans expressed disappointment, saying Gov. Pritzker seems more focused on expanding government than addressing residents’ most pressing concerns.

Many also criticized the speech’s tone, describing it as more of a campaign pitch aimed at national attention than a serious plan to tackle Illinois’ challenges.