Ryan Statement on Budget Preparation for More Affordable Illinois Following Budget Address

CHICAGO — Following the budget address delivered by Governor Pritzker on Wednesday, state Rep. Rick Ryan, D-Evergreen, is prepared to begin the long process of securing an affordable budget that will lower the cost of living for Illinois families and improve safety in the community. He released the following statement:

“Starting the budget preparation for this year, we came to Springfield knowing that the numbers people think about the most are the ones regarding their household spending. Living expenses have gone up drastically, and people are worried about how they’ll be able to afford everyday essentials like groceries, home energy, or healthcare. Right now, new policies from the federal government have increased costs for families and individuals. For example, employer-based insurance will cost families an additional $600 in 2026, while private insurance premiums and deductibles are doubling and increasing by as much as $10,000 per person.

“It’s extremely concerning that the prices of these crucial services that we rely on to live have skyrocketed. I know that we deserve a better future. That’s why in these coming months, I’ll be meeting with my colleagues in Springfield to secure a budget that is smart, responsible, and makes living more affordable.

“I’ll be fighting for affordability by investing in education to create opportunity for students. I’ll be working to include programs that will keep our public safety services funded. And I’ll be going through our budget to make sure that we create an outcome that moves our state forward. The Governor’s address was the first step. I’m ready to begin the real work.”