Attorney General Kwame Raoul presented the proposed budget for the Illinois Attorney General’s office for the next fiscal year to a Senate legislative committee in Chicago on Apr. 8. Raoul reported that his office generated more than $1 billion in revenue for the state in 2025 and has produced $21.45 in revenue for every taxpayer dollar received over the past seven years.
The Attorney General’s office plays a significant role as what Raoul described as “the people’s law firm,” with responsibilities including holding violent criminals and online predators accountable, protecting consumers, supporting crime victims, and advocating for state interests. “We are committed to this vital work on behalf of the people of Illinois, even as our responsibilities grow through our critical efforts to protect Illinoisans’ rights from attack by the federal government, as well as under new statutory requirements and greater enforcement authority of existing state laws,” Raoul said.
Raoul outlined how his office has responded to an increased workload due to actions taken by the Trump administration since January 2025. The Attorney General’s office has filed over 60 lawsuits and submitted more than 140 amicus briefs challenging federal actions they view as unlawful. These legal efforts have helped safeguard nearly $7 billion in federal funding for programs across Illinois.
In addition to defending against eight cases brought by the federal government, Raoul said his staff is addressing issues arising from reduced federal oversight regarding consumer protection, environmental standards, and civil rights. He explained that these circumstances require state attorneys general to provide extra protection for residents when there is a lack of federal regulation.
The Attorney General’s office also works closely with law enforcement agencies at various levels. This includes collaboration with the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) on narcotics and firearms trafficking investigations involving suspected members of Tren de Aragua gang from Venezuela. Through its Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (ICAC), which partners with over 175 agencies statewide, more than 1,180 arrests have been made since 2019 related to sexual predators targeting children.
Raoul highlighted additional achievements such as streamlining Crime Victim Compensation processing—overseeing more than 5,000 claims in 2025—and recovering about $2 million through fraud investigations led by his Public Integrity Bureau since he took office. The Consumer Fraud Bureau handled upwards of 19,700 complaints last year alone while securing over $130 million in restitution or savings for residents.
The Attorney General advocated on behalf of vulnerable groups such as workers, immigrants and seniors according to the official website. Thousands of consumer complaints are handled each year according to the official website. Efforts also include protecting consumers’ interests along with promoting safer communities while advancing environmental protections and rights issues according to the official website. Advocacy extends throughout Illinois according to the official website, partnering with law enforcement agencies statewide both supporting crime victims and promoting open government according to the official website. Services offered include complaint filing related not only consumer fraud but also civil rights matters according to the official website.
Looking ahead at expanded duties—more than one hundred new or revised laws have affected his agency since taking office—Raoul concluded that continued collaboration among local partners will be key: “We are committed” he said “to this vital work on behalf of all Illinoisans.” He is scheduled later today to present his budget proposal before a House committee.
