Governor J.B. Pritzker has proposed a budget of $55.2 billion for FY2026, in another challenging year for leaders to fund needed programs and services. The Illinois Black Advocacy Initiative (IBAI) commends the governor and the Illinois General Assembly for their ongoing commitment to building a more equitable, affordable, and high-quality system of health services, education and workforce development, economic development, and public safety.
IBAI Founding Director Patrice James states, “While there are some positive aspects to the proposed budget, we remain concerned about the absence of additional funding for vital programs and services that Black families and communities need to be prosperous.”
Despite a previously projected $3.2 billion deficit from November, the revenue picture is less dire. A revised estimate projects a deficit that is $1.5 billion less. The general assembly can now focus on meaningful spending and revenue proposals that continue to uplift Black communities across Illinois.
While the governor’s budget requests build on past progress, IBAI knows our state needs far more significant investments in education, from early childhood to K-12 and higher education, than the proposal delivered. We believe that all young people, from young children to young adults, should receive investment in their communities. The Governor has proposed a $350 million increase in the EBF formula, a consistent investment to get adequate school district funding. We would like to see EBF spending expansion by at least $500 million going forward to approach the adequacy funding target as directed by statute based on some estimates. Black communities and all Illinois residents deserve an adequate education.
As states try to navigate the uncertainty of federal funding through Medicaid, our state also faces persistent racial disparities in infant and maternal morbidity and mortality and, HIV infections, reproductive health, and access to mental health services. We call for increased investment with targeted health services for our Black communities in need.
While our economy grows, Illinois still lags behind many other states. To that end, we call for economic development strategies that are inclusive of Black communities across Illinois. This includes public infrastructure grants and site readiness funding from the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, greater access to mass transit, and addressing food deserts in our Black communities.
Our communities remain committed to safety and are enthused about the ongoing investments in community safety, which includes wrap-around services for those at risk of violence and those returning home from incarceration. We urge the passing of additional funding to transform our community safety ecosystem, including increased investment in community safety-related services for violence prevention, reentry services, and access to legal services.
IBAI urges the Illinois General Assembly to take a comprehensive and equitable approach as budget negotiations begin and prioritize investments that strengthen Black communities and promote long-term well-being for all Illinoisans. Now more than ever, we need to work together to address our challenges. Join IBAI and be part of the community investment process, working to ensure all communities in our state have what they need to be safe and thrive.
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