Helping you find your way through misinformation

Facts First Blog

Pritzker Brags About Credit Upgrades While Illinois Families Pay the Price

Staff Writer

Published on: 30/09/2026

Illinois remains last in the nation for credit quality despite Pritzker’s victory lap. As taxes, property bills and government costs rise, a $143.5 billion pension debt and weak private-sector growth expose the price behind the headlines.

J.B. Pritzker credit upgradesIllinois taxpayer burdenIllinois pension debtIllinois property taxesPritzker tax increasesIllinois private-sector job growth

SPRINGFIELD GOT A RAISE. ILLINOIS GOT THE BILL.

Staff Writer

Published on: 21/07/2026

Lawmakers' pay has risen nearly 45% since 2019, outpacing the average worker's paycheck as Illinois families face rising costs, high taxes and affordability concerns. The numbers raise tough questions about priorities.

Illinois lawmaker salariesJB PritzkerIllinois taxpayer burdenIllinois General Assembly pay raisesIllinois state budget 2027Illinois taxes and affordability