Fall executive order required most state agencies to identify ways to reserve fundsGov. JB Pritzker’s office plans to hold back nearly $500 million in spending for the current fiscal year as the state faces constant uncertainty over the economy and federal funding. Pritzker had directed agencies to “identify immediate spending reductions, including efficiencies that will result in reduced spending” in a September executive order. Alexis Sturm, Pritzker’s budget director, said in a memo to the state’s agency directors that the reserves aim to provide cushion for challenging budget years ahead. Pritzker’s budget office estimated in October the law will ultimately cost Illinois billions in the coming years.