GOMB Releases FY26 Budget Reserves List  

SPRINGFIELD - Following Governor JB Pritzker’s Executive Order directing state agencies to prepare for federal economic disruptions, the Governor’s Office of Management and Budget (GOMB) today released its FY26 budget reserves list, identifying funds within the current FY26 enacted budget that agencies have been directed to reserve to help mitigate fiscal risk, amid ongoing economic uncertainty driven by the Trump Administration. 

Last September, Governor Pritzker directed state agencies to identify up to 4% of their FY26 General Funds appropriations to be reserved as a safeguard against potential federal funding changes and broader economic risks. The Governor’s Executive Order also directed agencies to begin limiting non-essential spending, purchases, and travel, prioritizing only essential roles for hiring. ​ 

The list released today reflects $481.6 million in FY26 General Funds reserves that state agencies identified to help maintain stability in Illinois’ budget and across multiple areas of state government. Savings were achieved through administrative efficiencies, staffing adjustments, lower-than-expected caseloads, and cost controls, reflecting responsible fiscal management without reducing essential services. No funding for pensions or K–12 education was impacted. 

Breakdown of FY26 Reserves 

Maintaining Fiscal Stability Amid Trump’s Economic Policies 

For years, Illinois’ economy has been on the rise. As the nation’s fifth-largest economy, Illinois surpassed $1 trillion in GDP in 2022, delivered seven balanced budgets, secured 10 credit rating upgrades, and eliminated a long-standing bill backlog. However, recent federal actions — including President Trump’s budget and tariffs — are already undermining economic growth and threatening the fiscal stability across state budgets including Illinois. ​ 

While no state in the union can backfill the cuts from the federal government, these FY26 reserves will help the state mitigate the fiscal impact while maintaining critical investments for core services including, public safety, education, and healthcare for working families. As the state moves toward the development of the Governor’s recommended Fiscal Year 2027 budget, the Pritzker Administration will continue to double down on fiscal responsibility while mitigating risk and supporting economic opportunity for all Illinoisans. 

Please find budget reserve list and memo below. 

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