Illinois State Representative Tom Weber has raised concerns about Governor JB Pritzker’s 2026 State of the State and Budget Address, delivered to the Illinois General Assembly last week. Weber questioned the long-term effects of current fiscal policies, especially for future generations.
“This is another budget proposal that is the largest in state history at more than $56 billion, a billion more than last year, and includes another round of tax and fee increases to the tune of more than $700 million,” Weber said.
He highlighted worries over cuts in property tax relief programs and funding for local governments. “Families and seniors living on a fixed income are crying out for relief, especially from property taxes, but this proposal cuts more funds for local governments and again defunds a property tax relief grant program. People are losing their homes because the taxes are more than the mortgage. This is not the time to cut back on what little relief does exist,” he stated.
Weber acknowledged efforts by Governor Pritzker to address affordable housing but remained concerned about specifics, particularly regarding energy costs: “I’m glad the Governor brought up efforts to address the affordable housing crisis, but I’m concerned about the details, and, if action is not taken to broaden our energy resources, families are going to continue to get hit with increased energy rates.”
He called for fiscal restraint from state leaders: “It’s time for the Governor and Democrats to accept reality, exploding the state budget by 40 percent since 2019 for their progressive agenda is putting the financial future of our kids and grandkids at risk. It’s time to change course and for the state of Illinois to live within its means.”
The proposed budget would increase spending by nearly $1 billion over last year’s amount. It also contains $748 million in new taxes and fees—including a potential social media tax—and reduces support for local governments as well as school-based property tax relief grants.
Weber criticized what he sees as insufficient focus on public safety in recent government proposals. “The Governor has recently talked about addressing public safety, but it was sorely lacking in his State of the State Address this week. We have real problems, many created by misguided policies like the SAFE-T Act and TRUST Act. We have legislation to fix these problems, and we need to take action,” he said.
On education policy, Weber expressed hope that Illinois will participate in federal scholarship tax credit programs aimed at helping low-income students access quality education opportunities. He also supports expanding how 529 education savings accounts can be used through House Bill 4107.
With tax season underway, Weber encouraged constituents to utilize resources provided by both state revenue agencies.
Weber also noted recent legislative proposals introduced by Democratic lawmakers that would impose new taxes or fees on items such as carryout bags or campfires.
Additionally, Weber shared news that sixteen additional license types are now available through Illinois’ online licensing system managed by IDFPR (Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation).
Weber has represented Illinois’ 64th House District since being elected in 2019 after replacing Barbara Wheeler.
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He closed his update by inviting feedback from constituents regarding any legislative issues or concerns.
