THEY FOUND THE MONEY

At 4:13 a.m., Springfield approved the largest budget in Illinois history. Taxpayers are left asking why relief never seems to make the list.

By Staff Writer
June 1, 2026

SPRINGFIELD — On Sunday night, millions of Illinois families went to bed carrying the same worries they've carried for years.

The electric bill.

The grocery bill.

The property tax bill.

The gas bill.

The cost of keeping a small business open.

The cost of simply staying ahead.

Most had no idea that while they slept, lawmakers in Springfield were preparing to approve the largest state budget in Illinois history.

At 4:13 a.m. Monday morning, after another marathon legislative session, the Illinois House passed a $55.9 billion spending plan that includes roughly $800 million in new taxes and fees, hundreds of millions in spending for immigrant-related programs, legislative pay raises, and a long list of spending priorities that critics say once again leave taxpayers at the back of the line.

For supporters, the budget funds government services and fulfills state obligations.

For critics, it sends a different message.

Springfield found money.

Just not for you.

State Representative Adam Niemerg says taxpayers have seen the pattern before.

"Gov. Pritzker does not care about Illinois taxpayers. Every year he spends more, taxes more, and asks working families and job creators to carry an even heavier burden," Niemerg said. "Since taking office, Governor Pritzker has overseen the largest budgets and highest spending. I voted No."

The budget's $55.9 billion price tag is the largest in Illinois history. To help pay for it, lawmakers approved approximately $800 million in new taxes and fees.

Among the largest revenue increases are higher business taxes expected to generate roughly $300 million, new fees on social media companies expected to raise approximately $200 million, taxes on digital advertising, cryptocurrency transactions, and other revenue measures. While those taxes may initially target corporations and industries, critics argue the costs rarely stop there.

Businesses pass costs along.

Prices rise.

Consumers pay more.

Whether it's higher advertising costs passed on to customers, higher operating costs absorbed into prices, or additional fees built into goods and services, opponents say taxpayers eventually find themselves footing the bill.

And for many Illinoisans, the frustration goes beyond taxes.

Republican lawmakers point to what they describe as a growing disconnect between Springfield's priorities and the concerns of working families.

The budget includes approximately $410 million for immigrant support services and welcoming programs. Critics argue that figure does not account for the broader taxpayer-funded costs associated with education, healthcare, housing assistance, and other government services connected to migrant and undocumented populations.

At the same time, schools across Illinois continue asking for additional resources, local governments continue raising property taxes, and families continue stretching household budgets further than ever.

State Representative Chris Miller says those priorities are impossible to ignore.

"This budget hands over $400 million to immigrants but slaps even more tax hikes onto the people of Illinois," Miller said. "Illinoisans have already been robbed out of billions since Pritzker took office, and instead of giving working families tax relief, the Democrats have increased spending and doubled down on progressive policies. Under the Pritzker regime, one tactic is always assured: tax more, borrow more, and spend more."

The spending does not stop there.

The budget also includes approximately $220 million in member-driven projects often criticized as pork spending.

Lawmakers approved a 3.2 percent pay raise for themselves.

And while Democratic leaders promoted a pause in a scheduled increase to the state's motor fuel tax, critics note lawmakers also swept approximately $150 million connected to gas tax revenues into the broader budget.

State Representative Tom Weber says affordability was supposed to be the year's central theme.

"When the Governor presented his budget proposal for FY27 in February, he said Democrats' number one priority was affordability. Sadly, that was just another political talking point," Weber said.

Weber argues the final budget failed to provide meaningful relief for the people who need it most.

"Families, small businesses, and seniors living on a fixed income across Illinois are struggling and need relief, especially from property taxes, but it isn't coming."

The frustration is not limited to taxpayers looking at their bills.

It extends to the process itself.

The budget package exceeded 3,700 pages.

Much of the final negotiation occurred behind closed doors.

The vote happened at 4:13 a.m.

For opponents, that timing has become symbolic of a broader problem.

A government making historic spending decisions when the people paying for them are asleep.

State Representative Regan Deering says the budget reveals where Springfield's priorities truly lie.

"Families are being crushed by higher taxes, higher utility bills, higher grocery prices, and rising property taxes," Deering said. "Instead of delivering relief, Democrats passed another record spending plan with benefits for non-citizens and pay hikes for politicians. This budget shows exactly where their priorities are, and working families are not at the top of the list. That is not affordability. It is the opposite."

There was another question hanging over Springfield as lawmakers celebrated passage of the budget.

The Chicago Bears.

After months of discussions, negotiations, and public debate, lawmakers adjourned without securing a deal involving one of Illinois' most recognizable institutions.

The Bears continue exploring options.

Hammond, Indiana continues positioning itself as an alternative.

And critics see a contradiction that is difficult to ignore.

Springfield found money for a $55.9 billion budget.

Springfield found money for immigrant programs.

Springfield found money for political projects.

Springfield found money for legislative pay raises.

Springfield found money for new spending.

But Springfield could not find a way to deliver meaningful property tax relief, significantly lower the cost of living, or secure the future of one of the state's most iconic franchises.

Supporters will defend the budget as responsible governance.

Opponents will call it another example of government growing while taxpayers fall further behind.

That debate is only beginning.

But by the time the sun rose over Illinois Monday morning, the decision had already been made.

The budget was passed.

The spending was approved.

The taxes were approved.

The fees were approved.

The raises were approved.

And millions of Illinois families started another workweek facing the same reality they faced the day before.

Higher costs.

Tighter budgets.

And a little less room between what they earn and what they owe.

In the end, the most memorable number attached to this budget may not be $55.9 billion.

It may be 4:13 a.m.

The moment lawmakers approved the largest spending plan in Illinois history while the people expected to pay for it were sleeping.

Official Sources

• Illinois General Assembly Fiscal Year 2027 Budget Legislation

• Illinois House Roll Call Vote, June 1, 2026

• Statements from State Representatives Adam Niemerg, Chris Miller, Tom Weber, and Regan Deering

• Fiscal analysis of the FY27 budget package and associated tax provisions