Senate Democrats begin FY 26 budget negotiations

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

“We have our work cut out for us, not just balancing Illinois’ budget, but also doing what we can to protect democracy,” said Senate President Don Harmon (D-Oak Park). “I applaud the governor for his leadership and look forward to working with him on our shared goals of assembling a balanced, responsible budget and building a better Illinois.”

The governor outlined that his Fiscal Year 2026 budget proposal is built on six years of historic fiscal progress that included balanced budgets, nine credit rating upgrades, eliminating the bill backlog and more. It includes funding for education, public safety, economic development and more.

The proposed budget would continue the commitment of a $350 million increase toward the evidence-based funding model for K-12 education – bringing the EBF total to $8.9 billion since its inception.

Under the plan, $15 million would go to the Illinois Senate Democrat-backed Medical Debt Relief Pilot Program Fund – a program to erase medical debt for 300,000 Illinois residents.

HOME Illinois – a program that began in 2023 – would also see a nearly $283 million investment to target the prevention of homelessness, provide crisis response, expand housing support and increase job opportunities for homeless individuals.

A number of other sectors – from enhancing violence prevention to assisting veterans – are part of the proposed budget.

“The governor’s proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2026 is a good first step toward investing and preparing for our future, but our work is far from done,” said Majority Appropriations Leader Elgie R. Sims, Jr. (D-Chicago). “I look forward to joining my colleagues in the General Assembly in having a robust discussion about this year’s budget and passing a budget that is balanced, extremely bright, and addresses the very real needs of the people of this great state.”

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

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