(The Center Square) – Discretionary spending by Illinois state leaders has increased more than $16 billion since J.B. Pritzker became governor nearly seven years ago. Before Pritzker, the state’s general fund spending was roughly flat or had modest increases, according to state data. In the past three years, the annual spending increased another $9 billion to a total of about $55 billion. Under Pritzker, spending and taxes have increased. Lawmakers increased spending for other health and nutrition programs, education and economic development.