Metro East Sun

Illinois State Representative Kevin Schmidt has criticized Governor J.B. Pritzker’s approval of the state’s fiscal year 2026 budget, which totals $55.2 billion and represents an increase of about $2 billion from the previous year. Schmidt argued that the budget includes “gimmicks, revenue sweeps and nearly $1 billion in tax hikes,” and warned it could cause financial problems for Illinois families in the future.

“I’m very disappointed in the Governor’s decision to sign the FY26 budget. The record-breaking $55.2 billion budget that’s filled with gimmicks, revenue sweeps and nearly $1 billion in tax hikes sets Illinois up for failure in FY27. This budget will lead to more financial burdens on working families who are struggling and does not reflect the needs of Illinois residents,” Schmidt said.

Schmidt and other House Republicans have called for greater transparency throughout state agencies and during the budgeting process. They argue that there is insufficient time to review major spending bills and a lack of clear accounting for dedicated funds, leaving taxpayers without a full understanding of how their money is spent.

Schmidt also highlighted what he described as agency mismanagement, referencing a request made by Senator Andy Manar on May 7, 2024, asking agencies to identify $800 million in savings—a request that did not result in any proposed public cuts.

The approved budget relies on fund sweeps, delays deposits into rainy-day reserves, and makes reductions to areas such as education, public safety, and property tax relief while increasing spending on other items. Among those items are allocations related to migrant support: $110 million remains for HBIS funding; Welcome Centers received a reduced but still significant allocation of $40 million; another $40 million was directed toward Immigration Integration; and immigrant services such as legal support were allocated $35 million.

Other points raised by Schmidt include concerns over what he called “pork projects.” He pointed specifically to a transfer of $370 million from general revenue funds into the “Fund for Illinois’ Future,” which now holds a balance of $420 million. Additionally, Proviso Township High School District 209—located within Speaker Welch’s district—received $40 million for capital improvements including an outdoor sports complex at Proviso West.

Schmidt rejected claims that Washington is responsible for Illinois’ current fiscal challenges: “This crisis did not start in D.C. It is the product of years of unchecked spending, gimmicks, and a closed-door process in Springfield.”

Governor Pritzker recently issued an executive order instructing all state agencies to reduce spending by four percent while attributing some fiscal pressures to federal government actions. However, Schmidt countered: “House Republicans have offered numerous solutions over the years to make state government more efficient and save taxpayers money, yet the governor refuses to work with us.” He added: “JB Pritzker is spending billions of taxpayer funds on illegal immigrants and millions on NGOs. Illinois has a spending problem, it’s that simple.”

On energy policy issues affecting family budgets across Illinois, Schmidt expressed support for using all available energy sources—including coal and natural gas—to keep costs down. He referenced several legislative proposals aimed at extending deadlines under the Environmental Protection Act (HB1544 through HB1547) as well as SB76 regarding nuclear power expansion.

Schmidt invited constituents to attend his upcoming Mobile Office Hours event on October 7 as an opportunity for direct dialogue about state legislation.

Kevin Schmidt was elected as a Republican representative for Illinois' 114th House District in 2023 after replacing LaToya Greenwood (https://www.ilga.gov/house/Rep.asp?GA=103&MemberID=3229).

For information about deer hunting season opening dates or regulations in Illinois visit https://dnr.illinois.gov/hunting/deerhunting.html