Springfield, IL – State Representative Travis Weaver (R-Peoria) issued the following statement in response to the passage of the Fiscal Year 2026 state budget.
“This year’s $55.2 billion budget is $2 billion more than last year and 38 percent higher than it was just six years ago. This is outrageous and egregious spending, and to top it off the majority party is raising taxes by $1 billion to ‘balance’ their budget hole. Illinois does not have a revenue problem, it has a spending problem. We have to tighten our belts, cut waste, and respect our taxpayers and their hard-earned dollars.
“This year’s budget process once again involved zero transparency and bills introduced in the final moments of session with no time for actual debate or input. The budget is so bloated it required multimillion-dollar pork projects targeted for Democrat-controlled districts intended to gain their “yes” vote. Our priorities are out of whack, and policies such as zero-based budgeting must be implemented for state agencies to help get our financial house in order. This year’s budget assures that Democrats will need to raise taxes once again next year to cover for their out-of-control spending and unsustainable expansion of programs. Our taxpayers deserve a better and more transparent process that prioritizes economic growth and lower taxes.”