Governor Presents Another Record-High Spending Plan for Illinois
Last week, Governor J.B. Pritzker outlined a $56 billion spending plan for the new fiscal year that begins July 1, 2026. While I can appreciate the work that goes into assembling a budget proposal, I am concerned about attempts to tie education funding to a tax/fee increase, and a continued shortchanging of funds required to provide services and caretaker pay for our most vulnerable residents in the intellectually and developmentally disabled community.
I hear regularly from families and small business owners who are concerned about the rising cost of living, property taxes, and the state’s long-term economic competitiveness. With spending having grown nearly 40% since Governor Pritzker took office in 2019, I believe it is important that we proceed thoughtfully and look for sustainable ways to align spending with existing, recurring revenues.
As budget negotiations move forward, I hope Senate Republicans will have a seat at the negotiation table. Illinois residents expect collaboration, fiscal responsibility, and practical solutions, and I am confident we can deliver a balanced budget that reflects those shared values.
Following the Governor’s speech, I issued this media statement:
“Today’s budget address from Governor Pritzker once again highlighted his tendency to deflect responsibility for Illinois’ fiscal challenges. Blaming President Trump does nothing to address the real issues facing our state. Illinois’ financial struggles are the result of decades of costly, short-sighted policies that have driven up taxes, pushed businesses to leave, and saddled the state with massive unfunded pension liabilities. Those policies did not come from Washington. They came from right here in Illinois.
“The Governor highlighted recent credit upgrades, but failed to acknowledge that Illinois still ranks last in credit rating among all 50 states. Years of structurally unbalanced budgets, growing pension debt, and a complete lack of fiscal discipline have left the state in this precarious position. Alarmingly, his remarks offered no concrete plan to address these longstanding issues.
“Illinois’ economic growth has lagged behind other states. Employment growth is weak, our GDP trails the national average, and repeated cuts to local funding have put communities at risk. If Illinois were performing even at average levels, our financial position would be far stronger today.
“Illinois can be more affordable, and Illinois can be stronger. But that will require leadership willing to control spending and stop passing policies that do more harm than good. The citizens of Illinois deserve real solutions, not blame-shifting.”
Keeping the Chicago Bears in Illinois
The Chicago Bears have long been part of the fabric of Illinois. The Bears are an iconic franchise that brings pride to our communities and drives meaningful economic activity across the Chicago region and state. As discussions continue about the team’s future stadium, Illinois has a clear opportunity to retain a generational asset that supports jobs, tourism, and regional investment.
State and local leaders have been working with the Bears toward a framework for a new stadium development in Arlington Heights. At the same time, officials in neighboring Indiana have advanced a competing proposal in Hammond. This regional competition underscores the significant economic value major sports franchises bring to their home states.
Keeping the Bears in Illinois is the right outcome for our economy and our identity. The team has called our state home for more than a century, and Illinois offers the market strength, infrastructure, and fan support needed for long-term success. Any stadium agreement, however, must be transparent, fiscally responsible, and fair to taxpayers. Projects of this scale should deliver lasting public benefit alongside private investment.
I remain hopeful that state, local, and team leaders can secure an agreement that keeps the Bears in Illinois while protecting taxpayers and strengthening our regional economy.
Wilcox Delivers Thousands of Valentines to Local Seniors
Through my Valentines for Seniors Card Collection Program, I recently delivered thousands of Valentine’s Day cards to seniors throughout the 32nd District, reminding them they are valued, appreciated, and never forgotten.
Valentine’s Day is about showing people they matter. It was a privilege to meet so many wonderful seniors, hear their stories, and see the smiles these cards brought to their faces. Our seniors built the communities we call home, and they deserve to feel appreciated not just on holidays, but every day.
Schools, churches, and residents from across the 32nd District answered the call to create heartfelt cards and notes. What started as a simple gesture turned into a powerful reminder of how much our communities care.
Thank you to everyone who helped make this effort so special for the seniors in our district. Your kindness truly made a difference.
Proposal Supports Small Employers with Tax Credit for Health Reimbursement Arrangements
A new Senate proposal I am supporting this year would help small businesses make employee health coverage more affordable by creating a new tax credit for employers that offer Health Reimbursement Arrangements (HRAs).
Senate Bill 3619 is an initiative of the Small Business Advocacy Council. The legislation would establish a tax credit for small businesses that choose to provide HRAs. An HRA is a tool that can help employers reimburse employees for qualified health care expenses and, in some cases, individual health insurance premiums. Supporters say the measure would give small employers another flexible, cost-effective option to offer benefits and stay competitive when trying to attract and retain workers.
While HRAs may not be the right fit for every business, expanding access to benefit options is critical for job creators facing rising costs. SB 3619 is designed to ease the financial burden of providing health benefits and ensure small businesses have more tools to compete, grow, and support their employees.
Senate Bill 3619 has been assigned to the Senate Revenue Committee.
Final Week for Food Collection for Local Pantries
As a reminder, this Friday, February 27 is the deadline for dropping off non-perishable food items for my food drive to benefit the Spring Grove Food Pantry and the Northern Illinois Helping Hands Food Pantry. Both recently reported that their food supplies were extremely low for families in crisis. Donations of non-perishable food items are greatly appreciated and will make an immediate impact for those relying on food pantries this winter.
Your donations are appreciated, and they can be dropped off through Friday at the following locations:
Senator Wilcox’s Office: 209 N. Benton Street, Woodstock, from 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Spring Grove Village Hall: 7401 Meyer Road, Spring Grove, from 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
I thank you in advance for your generosity.
Wilcox to Host “America 250” Art Contest in 32nd District
As I mentioned last week, this spring I am collaborating with the Illinois Art Education Association for an art contest. The contest is open to 3rd through 5th Grade students throughout the 32nd Senate District, and artists will have an opportunity to showcase their skills through the chosen theme of celebrating the 250th Birthday of the United States of America.
The contest is open to 3rd through 5th grade students in the 32nd Senate District and art teachers have received information encouraging them to participate. Six to eight entries per school will be chosen by individual school art teachers and those entries will move forward for full consideration.
Artwork must be submitted digitally and be a maximum size of 8 x 10 inches. Acceptable media include markers, oil pastels, printmaking, and mixed media. I look forward to viewing their entries as students express their pride in America during this celebratory year of significance!
Click here to learn more about this art contest.