As the May 31 budget deadline looms, the General Assembly has the opportunity to shape a state budget that is fair for Black and brown communities. Budgets are moral documents that should be rooted in fairness.
Budgets help secure justice and fairness. Our communities have not fared well in the Land of Lincoln, facing economic inequality, high unemployment and concentrated poverty. We deserve investment measured proportionally based on population and the tax dollars we send to Springfield. Springfield’s latest budget can address some significant inequities.
The Black community accounts for approximately 14% of the state population. That equates to $7.84 billion of the $56 billion budget that should flow into Black communities. The Latino population in the state is about 19%. The Latino share of the budget should be $10.64 billion.
There is precedent for allocating budget dollars based on the proportion of the population. Illinois uses an evidence-based funding formula for education — however, the system is not fully funded, leaving many schools at a significant deficit.
For years, the state’s budget has shortchanged communities of color — and even some of our own legislative leaders admit it.
On a recent trip to Springfield, 40 Black and Latino clergy members and I encountered excuses from senators who look like me about why they can’t increase budget allocations for priorities in our communities, and we were told we were too late. They suggested there was no money, and some did not have time for us.
On the other hand, we received a warm welcome and a slightly different message from Senate President Don Harmon and Senate Minority Leader John Curran. They spent time with us and listened intently. The two leaders reported that Illinois revenue from income and sales tax is coming in stronger than expected. They said we were on time and committed to working with us.
We are back in Springfield this week to meet with key House leaders. The Illinois Legislative Black and Hispanic caucuses can stop any budget. They are operating from a position of strength. As such, they must hold leaders of agencies accountable for ensuring that state dollars committed to Black and brown communities actually get to the people.
Gov. JB Pritzker’s Commission on Equity and Inclusion has not delivered on its core mission. Commission members are paid high salaries, rarely meet and have a multimillion-dollar budget. The agency has failed to expand opportunities for minorities in state contracting. The number of businesses owned by racial minorities and women that are eligible for preference in state contracting has dropped from 5,050 to about 2,800, with businesses owned by white women making up the largest share. The state’s goal of awarding 30% of contract money to businesses with diverse ownership must truly empower Black and brown businesses.
While Black people represent 14% of Illinoisans, they made up over 54% of individuals in Illinois Department of Corrections custody in 2024. That year, IDOC spending came to about $2.1 billion — while the total contract spend with Black businesses was approximately $1.25 million. Is that equity?
Crime correlates with high unemployment and low education attainment. Our youths need equal access to employment opportunities. A job does more than put money in their pocket; it provides a sense of purpose, develops professional skills, fosters personal growth, builds relationships and provides structure. Notably, apprenticeships provide a pathway to economic mobility and stability by allowing individuals to earn while they learn.
The Illinois Department of Labor’s 2025 report regarding minority and female involvement in the building trades in state construction shows a decrease in the number of Black people from 10% of apprentices in 2024 to 9% in 2025. Latino representation in apprenticeships slipped from 23% in 2024 to 21% in 2025. White people remained steady at 68% of apprentices for both years.
Regarding socioeconomic disparities in Illinois, Black people account for more than 60% of the unhoused population, and Illinois is among the worst states for Black unemployment — with a rate frequently exceeding 8%.
A recent report issued by the Commonwealth Fund found that racial health disparities in Illinois are more severe than those of other states in the Great Lakes region. The report noted that Black Illinoisans experienced the lowest health system performance in the state. Essentially, Black residents experience the worst health outcomes and have the least access to quality care compared with other racial groups in the state.
The following are suggestions regarding a fair budget:
- Illinois legislators should opt into the federal tax credit scholarship program.
- Illinois legislators should require state departments’ contract spending to proportionally reflect Illinois’ population.
- Illinois legislators should address the youth unemployment crisis and require students to be able to read, write and do math before passing to the next grade.
- Illinois legislators should expand trade school and apprenticeship opportunities.
- Illinois legislators should open up the building trades to Black and brown citizens.
- Illinois citizens who are eligible should register to vote and participate in every election.
I urge all legislators to consider: It can no longer be Republican versus Democrat, citizens versus police, white versus Black and rich versus poor. We must achieve the original vision of our country — to be a place where all people can be free to pursue life, liberty and happiness as one nation under God. A fair budget is good for all Illinoisans.
I write this commentary to make those comfortable with continuing inequitable funding in Black and brown communities uncomfortable.
Willie Wilson is a business owner, philanthropist and former mayoral candidate.
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