Latino Policy Forum Statement on Governor Pritzker’s Proposed FY26 Budget

SPRINGFIELD — Today, Governor J.B. Pritzker issued his annual State of the State address and released his proposed budget for fiscal year 2026. Recently, the Latino Policy Forum published its 2025 Springfield Agenda, outlining the policy, budgetary, and administrative issues most important for advancing Latino equity in the state in the areas of education, immigration, and housing.

Latino Policy Forum Vice President for Civic Engagement, Jose Marco-Paredes, issued the following statement:

“Especially in light of the current fiscal challenges facing our state, we are pleased to see additional investments in education programs particularly in the Evidence-Based Funding Formula, the new Illinois Department of Early Childhood, some early childhood programs, the Monetary Assistance Program, and institutions of higher education. We are also pleased to see the investment in the One System Initiative, which unifies the shelter systems serving everyone experiencing homelessness including long-term residents and new arrivals.

“However, we are also concerned about overall flat funding for agencies and organizations that provide vital services to the community and other investments that fall short of what the Forum and advocacy and service provider partners requested, specifically in Home Illinois, which would provide assistance to unhoused Illinoisans, especially as homelessness in Illinois has surged. We are also concerned that the Health Benefits for Immigrant Adults (HBIA) program was cut completely as this will have a devastating impact on the estimated 34,000 people who rely on the program and are some of our most vulnerable community members.

“We will be taking a much closer look at the proposed budget and will conduct a deeper analysis on what it means for Latinos. In his budget address, Governor Pritzker spoke about our state’s economic growth, prosperity, and resilience and it is important to acknowledge that none of that would be possible without the contributions and sacrifices of Latinos, including undocumented immigrants. For generations, the Latino community’s labor, ingenuity, and grit has propelled this state’s economy forward, revitalized industries, and helped families and communities prosper. Investing in the programs and initiatives that help Latinos thrive is an investment in our state. When faced with challenges like funding shortfalls and a hostile federal government that has threatened to cut critical funds, our community is a part of the solution. In the coming months, we will be working hard to build on what the Governor has proposed and are confident that together we can meet this moment and pass a budget that is balanced and equitable for all.”  

To read the Latino Policy Forum 2025 Springfield Agenda, go HERE.