Macon Reporter

State Senator Sally Turner addressed the projected budget deficit in a Facebook post dated November 12, expressing concerns over state spending. "Our state's spending, especially on new arrivals, is not sustainable and it is not fair," she said.

"It should come as a shock to no one that we are now looking at a projected budget deficit," said Turner, according to Facebook. "Our state's spending, especially on new arrivals, is not sustainable and it is not fair."

In her post, Turner responded to the projected budget shortfall for the 2026 fiscal year. "One of the biggest areas that the governor and his allies are out of touch is their massive spending on non-citizen programs," she said. Turner noted that when Governor Pritzker assumed office, spending on non-citizens was a few million dollars annually but has since escalated to at least a billion dollars per year. She added, "That includes our first in the nation free healthcare for non-citizen adults that has cost our taxpayers more than $2 billion since fiscal year 2021." Turner emphasized that citizens now have to pay taxes to provide free healthcare to individuals who are in the country illegally.

Screenshot of State Senator Sally Turner's Nov. 12 Facebook post | State Senator Sally Turner's Facebook page

The shortfall figure referenced by Turner originates from the Illinois Economic and Fiscal Policy Report, which projects this deficit for fiscal year 2026. The report from the Governor’s Office of Management and Budget (GOMB), published on November 1, serves as the required Economic and Fiscal Policy Report presented to the General Assembly. It outlines the state's long-term economic and fiscal policy intentions for 2025 and beyond.

According to this report, while individual income taxes and investment income have surpassed forecasts with GOMB reporting $569 million in increased revenue projections, expenditures are still expected to exceed revenues by $3.173 billion in fiscal year 2026. The report also notes national economic conditions characterized by high inflation, a lukewarm stock market, and a stable job market—conditions mirrored in Illinois.

Turner has represented the 44th Senate District since 2021. Her background includes a degree in legal studies from the University of Illinois and roles as a juvenile probation officer and paralegal at the Logan County State’s Attorney’s Office. Elected as Logan County Clerk in 1994, she served through five consecutive re-elections.