Metro East Sun

State Representative Amy Elik, a Republican from Alton, voted against the Fiscal Year 2026 Budget that was approved late Saturday. The budget amounts to over $55 billion and includes more than $1 billion in tax increases.

Following the budget's passage, Representative Elik issued a statement explaining her decision to vote no: “I voted against this budget because I believe my district’s hard-earned tax dollars are not being well spent. Once again, Illinois taxpayers will have to pay the price for the mismanagement from the supermajority party."

Elik criticized the budget process and decisions made by the Democratic majority. She stated, "Democrats themselves have said this was going to be a tough budget year, but still found room to give themselves pay raises and fund pork projects in Democratic districts."

She also expressed concern about reallocating funds: "This budget also sweeps dozens of special state funds to supplement the general revenue fund, raiding dollars meant for other important purposes."

Representative Elik concluded with disappointment about the negotiation process: "We were hopeful that this year would be different, and a budget would be negotiated in good faith, but unfortunately it’s business as usual in Springfield.”