Illinois lawmakers approve a $50.5 billion budget awaiting Gov. Pritzker’s signature
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) – Illinois lawmakers finally passed a new state budget early Saturday and sent it to Democratic Gov. JB Pritzker for signature. Just a little over a month before it comes into effect with the new state budget on July 1st.
The Indiana House of Representatives approved the $50.5 billion spending plan just after 2:30 a.m. Saturday by a vote of 73 to 38 after it was passed by the Illinois Senate by a vote of 34 to 22 early Friday.
The General Assembly submitted the budget to Pritzker more than a week late after the legislature failed to meet its self-imposed May 19 deadline for adjournment, despite Democrats controlling both houses.
The budget provides for “transformative investments” in early childhood and higher education, public safety, workforce development and mental health care, Pritzker said while announcing a budget agreement Start of the week.
Following the approval, Pritzker released a statement that said, “This budget reaffirms our shared commitment to financial responsibility while making transformative investments in the children and families of Illinois that will be felt for years to come.”
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“I look forward to signing this budget that will make childcare and education more accessible, make health care more affordable, and further strengthen our state’s business and economic position,” the governor’s statement said.
House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch tweeted Saturday, “With this budget, we are building a stronger economy and putting Illinois back on a solid fiscal footing while making wise investments in priorities like education, healthcare and local communities.” “
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