Which body is primarily responsible for creating the budget in Illinois?

The Governor of Illinois plays a crucial role in the budget creation process, primarily by proposing the budget to the General Assembly. This process begins with the Governor preparing a budget proposal that outlines the state's expected revenues and expenditures for the upcoming fiscal year. Once this proposal is submitted to the General Assembly, it is reviewed, modified, and ultimately must be approved by the legislative body.

This collaborative process ensures that while the Governor sets the priorities and recommendations for state funding, the General Assembly has the authority to amend, approve, or reject the proposal, fostering a system of checks and balances within state governance. The involvement of both the executive and legislative branches is essential to ensure that the budget reflects the needs and priorities of the state while adhering to fiscal responsibility.

Other options do not accurately represent the structure of budget creation in Illinois. The Attorney General does not have a role in budget creation. While the General Assembly is vital in the budget process, it is not able to create the budget independently of the Governor's proposal. The State Comptroller’s role is more administrative, focusing on the financial transactions and state funds management rather than budget creation.