Dupage Policy Journal

State Senator John Curran addressed the state's financial situation in a Facebook post on November 13, urging Governor J.B. Pritzker to present a balanced budget without increasing taxes. "It is time for Gov. Pritzker to commit to doing the work it takes to present a balanced budget that supports our state WITHOUT raising taxes," he said.

"Illinoisans are taxed out," said Curran, according to Facebook. "It is time for Gov. Pritzker to commit to doing the work it takes to present a balanced budget that supports our state WITHOUT raising taxes on Illinois families and businesses. My colleagues and I stand ready and willing to help get our state back on track. We will continue to put forward our ideas and proposals and reach across the aisle for collaboration to help ALL Illinoisans."

According to Curran, he shared a link to a Chicago Tribune article where legislators, including himself, are pressing Governor Pritzker not to raise taxes to address the projected budget deficit outlined by the Governor’s Office of Management and Budget (GOMB). "This budget deficit really is a product of Gov. Pritzker and his allies’ year-over-year, gluttonous appetite for more spending," Curran said in the article. He called on the governor to pledge not to increase taxes on Illinois families and businesses in the upcoming budget year, emphasizing that Illinois has pressing issues that need attention.

Screenshot of Sen. John Curran's Nov. 13 Facebook post. | State Senator John Curran's Facebook page

The shortfall figure comes from the Illinois Economic and Fiscal Policy Report, which projects this deficit as a reality for the fiscal year 2026. The report from GOMB, published on November 1, serves as the required Economic and Fiscal Policy Report presented to the General Assembly. It provides insights into the state's long-term economic and fiscal policy intentions over four years starting from 2025. The report highlights national economic conditions such as inflation concerns, stock market fluctuations, and labor market stability while noting similar challenges faced by Illinois.

Curran has represented Illinois' 41st District since 2018 and currently serves as the Senate Minority Leader. He holds degrees from both the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and Northern Illinois University College of Law. Before joining the General Assembly, he served three terms on the DuPage County Board. Residing in Downers Grove with his family, Curran works at a law firm specializing in employment law and is involved with local economic development initiatives.