Illinois' governor unveils $56 billion dollar spending plan | First Listen

NPR Illinois | 91.9 UIS | By Michelle Eccles

Published February 19, 2026 at 6:13 AM CST

The state budget hones in K-12 funding and paying down unfunded pension systems
Downstate Republicans say they can get on board to make everyday life more affordable, but they're still wary of the governor's efforts
Governor Pritzker is proposing a statewide zoning law to spark home construction
A 61-year-old man died in a motorcycle and car accident on Springfield's north side

Tags

Michelle Eccles

Michelle Eccles anchors NPR Illinois' Morning Edition. Michelle has more than 30 years of experience in broadcasting which all began at her high school radio station, Homewood-Flossmoor High School in Flossmoor, Illinois. She attended Southern Illinois University Carbondale for her Bachelor of Arts in Communication with a focus in Radio Television and went on to become an award winning anchor and reporter for stations in Decatur and Springfield.

See stories by Michelle Eccles