CHICAGO – Majority Caucus Appropriations Leader Elgie R. Sims, Jr. (D-Chicago) released the following statement after the Fiscal Year 2026 budget was signed into law:
“The budget signed today is one that confronts the challenges before us with the same principled approach that guided our recovery: true fiscal responsibility, addressing reality head-on, and not postponing difficult decisions for future years.
Our unwavering commitment to making Illinois not just a place to live, but a place where families thrive, businesses flourish, and communities prosper is apparent in the budget. We have invested in the whole person, recognizing that our state's strength lies in the collective success of all Illinoisans.
The Fiscal Year 2026 budget serves today's needs while building tomorrow's opportunities."
CHICAGO – Majority Caucus Appropriations Leader Elgie R. Sims, Jr. (D-Chicago) released the following statement after the Fiscal Year 2026 budget was signed into law:
“The budget signed today is one that confronts the challenges before us with the same principled approach that guided our recovery: true fiscal responsibility, addressing reality head-on, and not postponing difficult decisions for future years.
Our unwavering commitment to making Illinois not just a place to live, but a place where families thrive, businesses flourish, and communities prosper is apparent in the budget. We have invested in the whole person, recognizing that our state's strength lies in the collective success of all Illinoisans.
The Fiscal Year 2026 budget serves today's needs while building tomorrow's opportunities."
SPRINGFIELD – Treatments for Alzheimer’s disease will soon be more accessible thanks to a new law championed by State Senator Laura Murphy.
“If individuals receive treatment in time, it can slow the progression of this terrible disease,” said Murphy (D-Des Plaines). “When a family member has Alzheimer’s, every moment counts, so people shouldn’t be denied treatments that are effective.”
Read more: Murphy law allows access to breakthrough Alzheimer’s treatments
SPRINGFIELD — In an effort to strengthen public safety while improving the state’s appeals process for FOID card decisions, State Senator Julie Morrison advanced legislation that would create a more transparent and efficient pathway for individuals whose FOID cards are revoked or denied.
House Bill 850 would establish an expedited review process for individuals who believe they have been wrongly deemed a “clear and present danger,” allowing them to more quickly resolve their case through the existing Firearm Owner’s Identification Card Review Board.
Read more: Morrison strengthens due process for FOID card holders
SPRINGFIELD — Following eight subject matter hearings with over 35 hours of testimony, State Senator Ram Villivalam passed legislation through the Senate aimed at addressing issues facing the current public transit system in Illinois.
“Over the last 19 months, I have collaborated and held discussions with stakeholders, advocates, transit workers and everyday riders about the state of transit, issues currently facing the system and what we can do to improve service for its riders,” said Villivalam (D-Chicago). “It’s imperative that we deliver a public transit system that provides reliable service for its riders and is accountable to our taxpayers. Now is the time to break through the status quo and embrace solutions made for lasting change.”
Read more: Villivalam: Illinoisans deserve a world-class public transit system
SPRINGFIELD — As many communities in Illinois still grapple with limited access to quality, healthy food, State Senator Mattie Hunter is sponsoring a measure aimed at looking into the effectiveness of efforts to reduce food deserts.
“Access to quality and fresh food is a basic right that each person in our community deserves,” said Hunter (D-Chicago). “Although the state has taken steps to address these inequities, it is imperative that we continue to reflect on the initiatives aimed at addressing this issue and learn more about what can be done in the future.”
Read more: Hunter measure to study food desert reduction efforts in Illinois
SPRINGFIELD – To promote race amity and highlight the importance of interracial friendships, State Senator Rachel Ventura sponsored a resolution declaring June 8, 2025 as Race Amity Day in Illinois.
“Race Amity Day encourages people to come together and celebrate the diversity within our communities,” said Ventura (D-Joliet). “In times where hate and violence far too often persist, this resolution calls attention to the interracial friendships that make our communities stronger.”
Read more: Ventura leads resolution to declare Race Amity Day in Illinois
SPRINGFIELD – Senate Appropriations Leader Elgie R. Sims, Jr. (D-Chicago) released the following statement after the passage of the Fiscal Year 2026 budget:
“Through our unwavering commitment to fiscal responsibility over recent years, Illinois has engineered a remarkable financial turnaround that marks a defining moment in our state's economic history. However, no state is safe from the chaos and uncertainty coming out of Washington, D.C.
“When we began negotiations for the Fiscal Year 2026 budget, we took a serious look at the crisis we are facing with the understanding that fiscal responsibility is about tackling what is in front of us. This budget is simply that: a reflection of our priorities and the uncertainty that is in front of us.
“This budget reflects our shared values and our commitment to making Illinois a better place to live, work and raise a family – investing in the whole person. I am proud to have led a balanced budget that addresses our current needs.”
Fiscal Year 2026 Budget
The Fiscal Year 2026 budget builds upon the responsible spending decisions we have made and balanced budgets we have passed in recent years. It is a balanced budget that is reflective of our state’s priorities, while also taking into account the harsh reality and uncertainty we are facing from the federal administration.
Highlights
Early Childhood Education
K-12 Education
Higher Education
Violence Prevention and Public Safety
Health and Human Services
Economic Development and Infrastructure
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