While Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker presented an optimistic outlook for the Illinois economy during his Annual “State of the State” Budget Address in Springfield on February 19, the Illinois Chamber of Commerce cited several fiscal concerns that remained unaddressed.
The Illinois Chamber supports commitments to long-term structural fiscal stability, a strong education system, and forward-thinking investments that promote business growth and new investments in the Land of Lincoln – all with no new taxes – in the Governor’s proposed $55.2 million budget for Fiscal Year 2026.
The Illinois Chamber encourages Gov. Pritzker and the Illinois General Assembly to continue to address the economic and regulatory obstacles that impede job growth across the state.
Significant budget pressures, including the impending transit cliff, were not addressed in the Governor’s address, raising concerns for Illinois businesses and taxpayers. New policies need to be enacted that support rather than burden job creators, according to the Illinois Chamber.
While supportive of the Governor’s efforts to attract new business to Illinois through initiatives like the shovel-ready program, the Illinois Chamber advocates for lowering the mandated cost of doing business while furthering investment in existing small and medium-sized businesses to help them grow and create jobs for families across the state.
The Illinois Chamber stands ready to work with legislators on both sides of the aisle in the General Assembly and the Governor’s Office to enact pro-Illinois and pro-growth solutions that will not only help attract new businesses but help our small, medium and large employers continue to thrive.