Following GOP criticism, Pritzker finds $481.6 million in budget reserves
(The Center Square) – The Governor’s Office of Management and Budget says it has identified more than $480 million of budget reserves from state agencies amid economic uncertainty that Gov. J.B. Pritzker says is driven by President Donald Trump’s administration.
The GOMB statement follows comments by state Rep. Amy Elik, R-Alton, regarding Pritzker’s order from Sept. 23, directing state agencies to find up to 4% in reserves.
“We were hopeful last fall with the governor’s executive order that would force state agencies to identify waste or redundancies within their agency. Instead, when we sought answers about their work through a [Freedom of Information Act] request, that request was denied,” Elik said during a press conference at the Illinois Capitol on Wednesday morning.
According to a statement from the governor’s office, the GOMB list released Thursday reflects $481.6 million in fiscal year 2026 general funds reserves across multiple areas of state government.
The reserves breakdown includes $361.5 million in health care and human services, $57.2 million in government services, $30.5 million in higher education, $22.1 million in public safety and $10.3 million in economic development, environment and culture.
The statement says savings were achieved through administrative efficiencies, staffing adjustments, lower-than-expected caseloads and cost controls.
According to the governor’s office, no funding for pensions or K–12 education was impacted.
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
Latest News Stories
Cheaper gas could take time amid tentative ceasefire
Trump says military remains in place as talks with Iran set to begin
Illinois Quick Hits: Ex-nonprofit exec sentenced for state, federal grant fraud
Crete-Monee School Board Unanimously Rejects $503,000 Tax Levy Abatement
Will County Prepares for Route 66 Centennial with $3.4 Million in Grant Projects
Lawmaker calls for department reform supporting Illinois families with disabled children
Lawyers’ ‘misleading statements’ hang cloud over college finaid class action
Ceasefire impact holds across markets despite varying reports on the Strait of Hormuz
SEC chairman returns ”first principles’ to public markets, supports Texas exchange
Complaint filed against AMA Foundation for racially discriminatory scholarships
Democrats vow to hold Bondi in contempt for refusing Epstein deposition
Commonwealth LNG signs supply deals with five major buyers
Lawmakers hear debate over data centers including revenue, headaches
Illinois quick hits: Madigan corruption appeal to begin Thursday; Attorney General asks lawmakers for additional $15 million;
