Pritzker grows state spending most among past 5 Illinois governors

Gov. J.B. Pritzker increased Illinois’ state spending more during his first six state budgets than any other state leader in terms of raw dollars since Gov. George Ryan, who took office more than 25 years ago.

Illinois’ state spending has grown more under Gov. J.B. Pritzker than any other state leader since former Gov. George Ryan, outpacing growth in inflation as expenditures ballooned by more than $12.9 billion.

An analysis of state general fund expenditures shows Pritzker grew Illinois spending by 32% between fiscal year 2019, the final budget signed by Gov. Bruce Rauner, and Pritzker’s state budget for fiscal year 2025.

Not only did Pritzker increase spending from $40.3 billion to $53.2 billion through six state budgets – growing more than any of the four prior state governors in terms of dollars – but he also outspent inflation.

State spending grew by 32% under Pritzker while U.S. inflation increased 23%.

Comparing compounding annual growth in budget expenditures during their tenures, Pritzker grew state spending by the second-most among the past five Illinois governors after former Gov. Rod Blagojevich. Pritzker grew budgets more but Blagojevich grew them faster.

Blagojevich grew the state budget by 5.8% on average each year while serving as governor, outpacing Pritzker’s budget growth of 4.8%.

This does not include Pritzker’s record-high state budget for the FY 2026, which is expected to cost taxpayers an additional $2 billion. If enacted, Pritzker’s budget for the coming fiscal year would mark a $15 billion increase in state spending since he took office.

Because of historical fiscal mismanagement, Illinois was not able to provide any substantial, permanent relief to taxpayers or create stability in the state budget. Instead, lawmakers had to add new taxes to fund ever-growing state spending that few voting members of the General Assembly got a chance to review.

Since 2010 alone, lawmakers introduced 70 new or higher taxes on Illinois residents, costing them $110 billion more. Of those tax hikes, 49 went into effect during Pritzker’s tenure.

Instead of maxing out the budget and adding billions in new spending, Illinois’ budget should focus on increasing reserves to build the foundation for future tax relief.

By adopting policy solutions such as a spending cap on future state budgets, right-sizing employee health care costs and constitutional pension reform, lawmakers can

put the state on a sustainable fiscal path and provide much-needed relief for Illinoisans who are struggling under the weight of the nation’s highest state and local tax burden.