Pritzker delivers ‘State of State’ budget address

CHICAGO (WGN) — In a combined State of the State and budget address in Springfield Wednesday, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker announced that the state is expected to finish with a 5% revenue growth and a budget surplus.

Pritzker, widely rumored as a potential 2028 presidential candidate, also took the time to sharply criticize President Donald Trump.

“The new administration, the Republican Congress, and Elon Musk intend to take these programs away,” said Pritzker, warning that systematic job cuts and eliminating government agencies would be felt in Illinois. 

“I’m watching with foreboding dread what is happening in our country right now.”

Pritzker also spoke about expanding higher education opportunities, which could allow Illinois’ community colleges to offer four-year degrees in nursing, advanced manufacturing, and other high-need areas.

The governor’s proposed budget revealed $1.5 billion in higher overall revenues than earlier estimates, with $21.7 million to support the newly created Department of Early Childhood and $748 million in early childhood block grant funding.  

The state is already facing a projected $3.2 billion deficit for the upcoming fiscal year. Also complicating matters is uncertainty around federal funding.

“I will only sign a balanced budget,” Pritzker said. “If you come to the table looking to spend more, I’m going to ask you where you want to cut.”

Afterward, Republican legislative leaders WGN News spoke to said they were unhappy with the governor’s spending strategies.

“This budget has a lot of new spending in it, which is certainly a problem. It doesn’t really do anything to help improve our job’s climate,” said Illinois State Sen. Dave Syverson.

Wednesday’s proposal is just a starting point. Lawmakers must pass a final budget by the end of May. WGN News contacted the White House press office to comment on Pritzker’s criticisms of President Trump but has not yet heard back.