Gov. J.B. Pritzker is making a pitch for a $55.2 billion state budget, a task made easier given an upward revision in revenue growth.
Pritzker’s budget team provided a rosier projection of an extra $1.5 billion in revenue growth, meaning he has to cover a $1.7 billion budget gap to balance the budget, rather than the $3.2 billion deficit previously estimated.
“I’m proud to say this year’s budget proposal is balanced and responsible. It represents some hard sacrifices and moderated spending,” Pritzker said, before warning lawmakers that he would be unwilling to accede to their expected demands to back favored programs with more robust spending. “I stand ready to work with members of the General Assembly to deliberate and negotiate the final budget. But let’s be clear, I will only sign a balanced budget. If you come to the table looking to spend more — I’m going to ask you where you want to cut. I have made difficult decisions, including to programs I have championed, which is hard for me, just as I know some of the difficult decisions you will have to make will be hard for you.”…