2023-05-27 18:21:19
Illinois lawmakers finally approved a new state budget early Saturday morning, sending it to Democratic Gov. JB Pritzker for his signature with just over a month to go before it goes into effect with the new state fiscal year on July 1.
The Indiana House of Representatives approved the $50.5 billion spending plan with a vote of 73 to 38 just after 2:30 am Saturday, after the Illinois Senate approved it 34 to 22 early Friday.
The General Assembly delivered the budget to Pritzker more than a week late after lawmakers missed a self-imposed May 19 deadline to adjourn despite Democrats controlling both chambers.
The budget makes “transformational investments” in early childhood and higher education, public safety, workforce development and mental health services, Pritzker said when announcing a budget deal earlier in the week.
After passage, Pritzker released a statement saying, “This budget reaffirms our shared commitment to fiscal responsibility while making transformative investments in Illinois children and families that will be felt for years to come.”
The governor added in a statement: “I look forward to signing this budget to make child care and education more accessible, health care more affordable, and our state’s business and economic position even stronger.”
House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch tweeted Saturday that “with this budget, we are building a stronger economy and getting Illinois back on solid fiscal footing, while making smart investments in priorities like education, health care and local communities.
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