SPRINGFIELD – Members of the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus heard the governor’s state budget proposal Wednesday and will now begin bipartisan, bicameral conversations to bring forth a balanced budget.

“The governor deserves credit for a proposal that protects our shared goals in an increasingly difficult and chaotic financial climate,” said Senate President Don Harmon (D-Oak Park). “There’s a lot to like — increased funding for public schools and universities, continued debt reduction and creative ideas on affordable housing.”

The governor’s Fiscal Year 2027 budget proposal is built on seven years of historic fiscal progress that includes balanced budgets, 10 credit rating upgrades, eliminating the bill backlog and more led by the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus. The budget proposal includes funding for education, public safety, economic development and more. The governor’s Wednesday address began the process of working with agencies, stakeholders and fellow lawmakers to put forth a balanced budget that makes Illinois the best place to live, work and raise a family. 

“Our work begins to craft another responsible, compassionate budget that highlights Illinois’ commitment to cementing our state as the best place to build and raise a family. Building on seven years of historic fiscal progress, Illinois will meet the challenges that lay ahead. We’ve done so before and we’ll do it again,” said Majority Appropriations Leader Elgie R. Sims, Jr. (D-Chicago). “While the Trump administration is focused on sowing fear and dysfunction, we will work to prioritize every resident, no matter their background, the color of their skin, their education level or their ZIP code.”

Members of the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus will now spend the following months negotiating the final budget.