SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — Illinois House Republicans are calling for transparency from the Pritzker administration surrounding the state's budget. The political push comes a month after the governor announced the state is facing a $267 million budget deficit.
Gov. JB Pritzker signed an executive order calling on state agencies to review their budgets in September and reserve up to 4% of funds to lessen the impact of the Big Beautiful Bill. However, Republicans told reporters Thursday they have not seen any information about agency budget cuts.
The House GOP caucus said a Freedom of Information Act request to see the proposed cuts was denied by the administration.
"The budgeting process isn't based in reality because in the real world, when monies get tight, businesses and families prioritize, stretch and reform, not rely on hopeful revenue streams to close the gaps," said Rep. Regan Deering (R-Decatur).
The governor has frequently said recent federal policies threaten state revenues, disrupt supply chains and create uncertainty for working families. Pritzker said Trump and congressional Republicans sealed one of the largest wealth transfers in American history by stripping healthcare, food assistance and essential supports for families to fund permanent tax breaks for the wealthy.
Illinois House and Senate Democrats passed a plan during veto session to address the $267 million budget deficit by decoupling from tax incentives included in Trump's budget.
"Look, remember that the purpose ultimately is to make sure that we can pay the bills in the state of Illinois and not be hampered by Donald Trump and the big ugly bill," Pritzker said.
The Democrat is expected to sign that plan into law in the coming weeks. Although, GOP leaders argue that decoupling will only hurt the Illinois economy.
"Any time we decouple, we become an outlier," said Rep. Amy Elik (R-Alton). "We become the state that is immediately known for not being friendly to business, and we can just expect that companies will be looking elsewhere."
The Pritzker administration said the Office of Management and Budget is reviewing and analyzing submissions state agencies provided in response to the executive order. Spokesperson Andres Correa said the governor is taking proactive steps to protect Illinois' fiscal stability.
"These reviews are part of ensuring the state remains on solid financial footing and can continue delivering the core services Illinoisans depend on," Correa said.
Deering noted that she filed legislation in February to require the General Assembly to pass a balanced budget. Yet, her measure never left the House Rules Committee during the 2025 session.
"Gov. Pritzker and the Illinois Democrats continue to prove themselves year after year, politics over people," Deering said. "This is what failed leadership looks like, and Illinoisans are paying the price."
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