Illinois Senate Democrats pass $53.1 billion budget, send plan to House

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — The Illinois Senate passed a $53.1 billion budget Sunday night on a partisan 38-21 vote. The floor debate and vote came after several long days of negotiating a final deal after state lawmakers missed their scheduled adjournment date.

"This budget addresses the challenges we face today while preparing us for the next generation," said Sen. Elgie Sims (D-Chicago). "It reflects our shared values and our commitment to making Illinois a better place to live, work and raise a family."

Democratic lawmakers appropriated $20.3 billion for education during Fiscal Year 2025, including a $350 million increase for the evidence based funding model. The Smart Start Illinois program will continue with an additional $75 million for early childhood block grants, making 5,000 more preschool slots available.

The majority party earmarked $160 million for migrant welcome centers and $290 million for the Home Illinois program to combat homelessness. However, Senate Republicans said they wish there was less spending for undocumented immigrants. They argued that money could be better used by paying direct support professionals more than a $1 wage increase.

"Providers of developmental services are crying out. They can't find staff because staff are going elsewhere," said Sen. Chapin Rose (R-Mahomet). "And this isn't just anybody. These are people feeding, toileting, personal hygiene and McDonald's is already over the minimum wage."

The budget features $155 million for safety net hospitals and $50 million for a child tax credit to help low-income families with kids 12 and under.

"Our job is to come here and govern and pass a budget," said Sen. Lakesia Collins (D-Chicago). "We got to pay bills. We got to create revenue. We got to ensure that we are doing our work. And everybody in here, even on the right side of the aisle, you benefit."

Although, a major component of the budget package is roughly $948 million dollars in revenue enhancements, from eliminating the net operating loss deduction cap for businesses and tripling the tax for sports betting companies in Illinois.

"And who will ultimately pay for those hits that they're being required to take," asked Sen. Don DeWitte (R-St. Charles). "Everybody in this room and the 13.5 million people we represent in this state. Revenue enhancement, my ass. It's a tax increase."

Sims noted that the spending plan will fully fund the annual pension obligations and invest in the unemployment insurance trust fund. He also explained that this budget includes roughly $74 million in cuts from Gov. JB Pritzker's budget proposal in February.

"Since Gov. Pritzker took over, spending has gone up $13 billion under his watch," Rose stressed. "And now we're forced to raise taxes on the people of Illinois and we're paying for illegal immigrants to come here."

The Illinois House will not be able to vote on the budget until they return to Springfield on Tuesday. Senate Democratic leaders said House Democrats have agreed to pass their spending budget proposals without making changes.

"This is a responsible, responsive and balanced budget for the great state of Illinois," said Senate President Don Harmon (D-Oak Park). "If offers meaningful investments in our priorities and shared goals. I want to thank my colleagues in the Senate, House Speaker Welch and Governor Pritzker for all their work in putting this plan together."

Senate Republican Leader John Curran (R-Downers Grove) said the Democratic budget prioritizes new arrivals over Illinois taxpayers that elect people to the General Assembly.

"It is patently unfair to raise taxes on Illinois families struggling to afford basic needs, and job creators fighting to keep people employed to pay for the migrant crisis Gov. Pritzker created," Curran said.