Senate Democrats begin FY 27 budget process

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.”

“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.”

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Illinois Legislative Black Caucus responds to budget proposal, calls for equity-focused final budget

SPRINGFIELD — Following the governor’s annual budget address, the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring the final state budget delivers meaningful investments in Black communities across Illinois.

“As Senate Joint Chair of the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus, I know our communities cannot afford uncertainty at any level of government,” said State Senator Lakesia Collins (D-Chicago). “With federal threats creating instability around health care, food assistance and social services, Illinois must remain steady and proactive. We have a responsibility to craft a final budget that protects our most vulnerable residents, invests in early childhood and education and strengthens economic opportunities in neighborhoods that have been historically disinvested.”

“Proposals set the tone, but budgets set the priorities,” said State Senator Willie Preston (D-Chicago), Illinois Legislative Black Caucus Senate Chair. “We appreciate the continued investments in education, housing stability and health care, but we must ensure the final budget intentionally closes the persistent gaps facing Black families. That means fully funding workforce development, expanding pathways to economic mobility, strengthening violence prevention efforts and ensuring housing initiatives like Home Illinois truly reach the communities most impacted.”

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Illinois Legislative Latino Caucus shares their key priorities after governor's budget speech

SPRINGFIELD — Members of the Illinois Legislative Latino Caucus have once again affirmed their dedication to standing up for Latino residents, emphasizing their strong commitment to protecting and supporting these communities amid growing threats of potential cuts from the Trump administration.

“The governor’s proposed revenue solutions to bridge the gaps in funding are a solid baseline to address the challenges our state is facing under the federal administration,” said Senate Latino Caucus Chair Karina Villa (D-West Chicago). “One thing is clear: our budget cannot be balanced on the back of working people. As budget negations continue, we will remain steadfast in our commitment to defending the services our communities depend on.”

“We hope to expand funding in the child care tax program. Expanding this program would help so many families afford essentials like diapers, baby food, childcare and more”, said State Senator Javier Cervantes (D-Chicago). “Our working families are struggling to put food on the table. With SNAP benefits changing we need to give Illinois residents all the help we can.”

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