Navigating the Illinois State Budget Process

The State budget is a complicated process, and figuring out how to get involved can be challenging for everyone. Depending on the time of year, Illinois residents can do several things to aid their advocacy efforts. This blog will outline the Illinois state budget process and what advocates can do to prepare and push their priorities forward.

(September-February)

Agencies submit budget requests and work with the Governor’s office

State agencies submit funding requests to the Governor's Office of Management and Budget (GOMB). . Agencies evaluate their programs performance from a spending and impact perspective informed by the leadership of the Governor. Some agencies will hold public hearings to inform budget requests, and those requests will go through rounds of refinement between the agency and GOMB.

What should concerned residents and advocates do?

• During the agency budget request process, elected officials are not in session and likely are meeting with organizations and constituents. Attend events and set up time to talk with your elected officials to get their take on your priorities.

• Engage with state agencies to understand progress on services and outcomes on impacted communities.

• Meet with community groups that work on issues of interest to you and your community.

(November 1) 

Governor prepares revenue forecast

The Governor's Office of Management and Budget (GOMB) estimates revenues and develops budget recommendations to estimate available revenue.The initial revenue forecast is typically done with a conservative lens since it does not account for the quarterly spending revenue trends, where sales tax revenue spikes during the Christmas holiday season. Additional forecasting is provided by the Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability that uses a few different assumptions.

What should concerned residents and advocates do?

• Local revenues and budget decisions are key to teasing out what challenges the state may face. Most cities and towns have public hearings describing budget decisions. Follow the decision-making in your city or town to see if state funding levels change and how contentious the budget process is locally. Local elected officials (Aldermen, City Council, Village Board) or the city manager/village administrator should be able to describe how state i​​nvestment will impact budget investment.

• Follow the financial analysis described in the newspaper and conducted by independent, non-partisan government research organizations  such as the Civic Federation and the Center for Tax and Budget Accountability.

• If there are policy or budget issues that you are seeking to push, this is the time to find a state representative and/or state senator to sponsor a bill. The bill language needs to be drafted for submission to the Legislative Reference Bureau (LRB) as well as one pagers to explain the highlights of the legislation.

(Third Wednesday of February)

The Governor presents budget recommendations to the General Assembly and the public.

The Illinois Constitution requires the General Assembly and the Governor to pass a balanced budget. To set the stage for budget balance, the Governor has to develop a revenue forecast. The revenue forecast update will set the expenditure expectations for the new budget, and the governor will reveal executive budget recommendations in line with updated revenues, setting the table for budget deliberations.

What should concerned residents and advocates do?

• Analyze the recommended budget to evaluate whether it aligns with your vision for statewide investment.

• Go to trusted organizations to read their analysis of the proposed budget

• Voice your support with your elected state official for positive developments and ask for adjustments to areas that do not align with your vision.

(February-May)  

The General Assembly debates and makes changes to the Governor’s budget recommendations.

The General Assembly can modify, maintain, or reject the Governor's proposals and create their own version. In addition, some of the bills introduced for debate may have financial impact. An overview of the legislative cycle can be found here. 

Bills introduced by the Illinois General Assembly may have fiscal impact. These bills are analyzed by the Revenue and Fiscal Affairs Office, who prepares fiscal impact statements on proposed legislation. If a bill may have fiscal impact on local governments, the fiscal note is prepared by the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. Appropriate state agencies prepare notes that include estimates of costs and revenues at the direction of the bill sponsor. If a fiscal note isn't filed within 30 days, the bill can still be heard in committee but the bill will remain on second reading until a fiscal note is filed.

What should concerned residents and advocates do?

• Testify in support or opposition to a bill. It is best to coordinate with the bill sponsor, but can be done as an individual or a representative of an organization. A witness slip is required to submit support or opposition to a bill and is also required if you wish to testify in front of the committee. Instructions to submit a witness slip can be found here.

• Express support or opposition to legislation on social media. The story behind the position can often be done concisely with images to illustrate the point in a quick and easily-understood medium.

• Write an op-ed or a blog in support of a bill. Adding context and rationale for pending legislation is a good way to explain it and broadcast support

(Typically at the end of May)

Governor approves, signs, and passes the budget

The governor has several options: Total veto, amendatory veto, item veto, and reduction veto that may require votes from the General Assembly.

What should concerned residents and advocates do?

• Evaluate the results of the legislative session, thanking elected officials for their work and celebrating successes.

• Reflect on the next steps and the work ahead, including budget requests and bills that may need additional work during veto session in November.

• Write letters and contact your state representative and state senator.