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Hard work really begins for Illinois state lawmakers starting this coming week. That’s after Governor JB Pritzker unveiled his budget proposal a few days ago in his State of the State Address.

The governor promises his $55 billion spending plan is a balanced budget for the fiscal year that starts July 1. It’s an increase of about three percent from the current budget, and his plan closes the projected budget shortfall of more than $3 billion.

The governor got help when the latest revenue forecast projects Illinois will collect another $1.5 billion. That has the state expected to finish the year with a revenue growth of five percent- significantly lower than the growth of more than 10 percent in recent years.

Here are some quick budget highlights.

Pritzker indicates the revenue growth for fiscal year 2026 is projected to be down to 1.9 percent. One of his key proposals is the prescription drug affordability act to target pharmacy benefit managers widely criticized for driving up prices of prescription drugs.

The governor proposes allowing community colleges to offer more four year baccalaureate degrees for career paths that are in demand, and he wants to eliminate Medicare for adults younger than 64 who are not American citizens.

Governor Pritzker vows to hold the line in what figures to be a tough budget year.

"Let’s be clear, I will only sign a balanced budget. If you come to the table looking to spend more – I’m going to ask you where you want to cut. I have made difficult decisions – including to programs that I have championed, which is hard for me, just as I know some of the difficult decisions you will have to make will be hard for you," said Illinois Governor JB Pritzker.

Governor JB Pritzker’s budget will now be dissected by state lawmakers. Several members of his own party don’t like significant parts of it.

State Representative Gregg Johnson will have a vote in Springfield. He joins host Jim Niedelman for a conversation.

"I thought the budget address was, considering the circumstances, I thought it was a good budget address," Johnson said.

To hear more, click on the video.

And now we want to hear from you, too, with our question of the week: What do you think about Illinois Governor JB Pritzker’s proposal to cut Medicare services for adults younger than 64 who are not American citizens? Please share your thoughts at 4therecord@whbf.com. 

Local 4 News, your local election headquarters, is proud to present 4 The Record, a weekly news and public affairs program focused on the issues important to you.  It’s a program unlike any other here in the Quad Cities. Tune in each Sunday at 10:30 a.m. as Jim Niedelman brings you up to speed on what’s happening in the political arena, from Springfield, Des Moines, Washington, D.C. and right here at home.

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February 23, 2025 at 11:04AM