Chamber statement on Illinois Governor Pritzker’s state budget address
February 19, 2026
On Wednesday, Feb. 18, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker delivered his budget address, outlining priorities that impact employers across Illinois, including here in the Quad Cities.
The QC Chamber is encouraged to see a focus on economic growth, workforce development and affordability reflected in Gov. Pritzker's agenda. Employers across the Quad Cities remain focused on growth, talent development and cost stability, and we appreciate the administration’s recognition of these shared priorities.
Taxes & Incentives
- While we appreciate the Gov. Pritzker's emphasis on housing affordability, more concrete action is needed to address the Quad Cities’ unique housing needs and to keep pace with development occurring across the river in Iowa. The QC Chamber strongly encourages support for SB 1926 and SB 1927, which would spur housing development in designated River Edge Redevelopment Zones by reducing barriers and incentivizing new residential investment to support continued economic and workforce growth.
- The Chamber has concerns about the proposed two-year pause on new Data Center Investment Tax Credits. Data centers represent a significant opportunity for economic growth in Illinois, bringing high-paying jobs and substantial private investment to local communities. Incentives such as the Data Center Investment Tax Credit are critical tools in keeping Illinois competitive. A suspension could slow momentum at a time when Illinois is competing with neighboring states for these projects.
Workforce
- We applaud the continued focus on career and technical education, including the proposed Vocational Training Grant Program. Our members consistently report that access to skilled workers remains one of their biggest challenges. Targeted support for high-quality vocational and technical pathways will help connect more students to good-paying local careers while strengthening the talent pipeline employers need to grow.
Regulation
- The Governor’s commitment to expanding energy capacity and strengthening grid reliability is especially promising for our region. The Quad Cities already serves as a hub for clean, reliable power, and additional investments in generation and site readiness will support existing employers, attract new business investment and help stabilize energy costs for businesses and families alike.
The QC Chamber looks forward to partnering with Illinois legislators to ensure these proposals translate into tangible outcomes for Quad Cities employers and residents.