They are signaling a willingness to raise taxes as the May 31 deadline quickly approaches.

Lawmakers too often decide what to spend without an accurate picture of what will come in.

Adopting a state spending cap could help combat a mounting fiscal crisis.

Almost all of Illinois’ final budgets under Gov. J.B. Pritzker have been larger than first proposed.

Spending proposal features $1 billion in updated revenue assumptions, $589 million in tax and fee hikes and $139 million in fund sweeps.

Higher tax revenue paints a better picture for Illinois’ budget, but increases have been driven by strong national economy, rather than local policy.

Illinois lawmakers claim the state saved nearly $500 million in fiscal year 2026, but most “savings” are either from federal decisions or shifting costs, not serious fiscal restraint.

Pro-growth policies and fiscal responsibility can ensure Illinois’ long-term budget health. Here’s how state leaders can do it.