SPRINGFIELD, IL – State Representative Wayne Rosenthal (R-Morrisonville) released the following statement on passage of the FY 2026 budget bill (SB 2510) late Saturday night:
“I could not support the FY26 budget that spends more than $55.2 billion, an increase of nearly $2 billion over last year and a staggering 38% jump since Governor Pritzker took office. Over the past six years, state spending has grown by more than $15 billion. That means a bigger government, higher taxes, and greater burdens on Illinois taxpayers.
“As the Minority Spokesperson for the Transportation: Vehicles and Safety Committee, I am particularly concerned about the continued practice of reallocating money from the Road Fund and other dedicated funds to support programs unrelated to their original purpose. I do not think that is right and no one should.
“In my role as the Republican Spokesperson on the State Government Administration Committee, I believe our focus should be on ensuring efficiency, accountability, and prioritizing core services such as support for veterans, seniors, and those most in need. We must remain mindful of what we can, responsibly, afford while planning for the future.”
“Additionally, the budget includes a $7,000 pay raise for legislators. That’s unacceptable at a time when working families are struggling. I believe this sends the wrong message. Instead of increasing salaries for lawmakers, we should be focused on fiscal discipline and leading by example.”