Springfield, IL – State Representative Dan Ugaste (R-Geneva) issued the following statement in response to the Governor signing the FY 2026 state budget today. The $55.2 billion budget is the largest in state history.
“The state budget signed by the Governor is once again reliant on one-time revenues and a billion dollars in tax hikes and fund sweeps. We talk about families struggling in this state, and the Democrats continue to raise taxes despite record revenues already. The process to pass the budget was disingenuous at best, with last-minute bills and amendments filed with no time for review or debate. The process included zero transparency, and that is no way to run a state government and do the work for the citizens of Illinois.
“The budget provides zero property tax relief, which will lead to more personal budgets being strained and more families leaving Illinois,” Ugaste continued. “In fact, the budget paused a $43 million property tax grant relief program designed to help school districts with high property tax rates and low real estate values. Still, I have heard from Democrats that this budget reflects their priorities. Priorities? How about the $40 million included for a new sports complex in Speaker Welch’s district? The bottom line? Life continues to get more expensive for Illinois families under Democrats’ control, with little relief in sight.”