What is the largest item in the Illinois state budget?

The largest item in the Illinois state budget is education. Education, specifically funding for K-12 schools and higher education, constitutes a significant portion of state expenditures. This emphasis on education reflects the state's commitment to providing access to quality schooling and the need for investment in the future workforce. By allocating substantial resources to education, Illinois aims to foster economic growth and societal development.

While transportation, pensions, and health care are indeed vital components of the budget, their funding levels do not surpass that of education. Transportation expenses cover infrastructure maintenance and development, pensions are an essential financial responsibility for the state but are often funded through specific allocations, and health care spending, while necessary, is typically secondary to educational funding in Illinois.