Fact Check: Governor JB Pritzker signed a $55.1 billion FY26 state budget package on October 3, 2023, which does not raise taxes for working families in Illinois.

Fact Check: "Governor JB Pritzker signed a $55.1 billion FY26 state budget package on October 3, 2023, which does not raise taxes for working families in Illinois."

What We Know

On October 3, 2023, Governor JB Pritzker signed a state budget package totaling $55.1 billion for the fiscal year 2026 (FY26) (source-1). The budget aims to maintain fiscal discipline while investing in various sectors, including education and public services. Notably, the budget does not include any new tax increases for working families, as stated by the governor (source-6).

However, it is important to note that while the budget does not raise taxes directly, it has been reported that the overall budget includes tax increases amounting to approximately $1 billion in various forms, which could indirectly affect working families (source-3).

Analysis

The claim that the budget does not raise taxes for working families is partially true. The budget itself is framed as a balanced budget that does not impose new taxes on working families directly (source-6). This is a significant point, as it aligns with the administration's narrative of supporting working families.

However, the broader context reveals complexities. The reported $1 billion in tax increases (source-3) raises questions about the implications of these increases on working families, especially if they are indirect or affect essential services. For instance, increases in fees or other forms of taxation can disproportionately impact lower-income households, which complicates the assertion that no taxes are raised for working families.

Moreover, the budget includes substantial investments in education and financial aid programs, such as a $10 million increase in the Monetary Award Program (MAP) (source-8). These investments are designed to support working families, but they do not negate the overall tax increases that may affect them.

In terms of source reliability, the official budget documents (source-1) and statements from the governor's office (source-6) are credible and provide a clear representation of the budget's intentions. However, reports from independent news sources (source-3) should also be considered, as they highlight potential discrepancies between the government's claims and the reality of tax implications.

Conclusion

The claim that Governor JB Pritzker signed a budget that does not raise taxes for working families is partially true. While the budget does not impose new taxes directly on working families, it includes significant tax increases in other areas that could indirectly affect them. Therefore, while the administration's messaging focuses on supporting working families, the overall fiscal impact of the budget is more complex than it appears.

Sources

1. PDF FISCAL YEAR 2026 BUDGET HIGHLIGHTS - budget.illinois.gov
2. Governor Pritzker signs FY26 state budget - News
3. New Illinois Budget Increases Taxes by $1 Billion
4. Illinois State Budget Fiscal Year 2026
5. Illinois - Office of Management and Budget
6. Gov. Pritzker Announces Passage of Seventh Consecutive Balanced Budget
7. Gov. Pritzker Signs Seventh Consecutive Balanced Budget
8. Pritzker celebrates FY26 budget despite GOP concerns about $55.2 billion spending plan