CHICAGO— Today, the Illinois Senate approved a budget plan that puts Illinois back on the path toward fiscal stability. State Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr. (D-Chicago) released the following statement:

"We have approved a budget plan that I believe is balanced, responsible and puts us on a path toward a brighter future. Not only is this budget balanced, it provides stability by making our full required pension payment, paying down the borrowing we needed last year and funding many of our priorities to put our state on the right path.

"I am especially proud of our investments in education, small businesses and local governments. We will meet our Evidence Based Funding obligations to our local school districts, which will advance our students and teachers, and we’re keeping funding for public universities and community colleges whole.

"As a member of the Illinois legislative Black Caucus and sponsor of its criminal justice pillar, I am also proud that this budget funds the enhanced training and other associated improvements passed earlier this year to enact the SAFE-T Act.

"This budget plan sets Illinois up for success, not just this year, but for years into the future."