Majority Caucus Appropriations Leader Elgie R. Sims, Jr. (D-Chicago) released the following statement after the Senate voted to pass the Fiscal Year 2027 budget:
“Despite the reality that the federal government is abandoning its partnership with Illinois and its local partners, this balanced budget reflects the kind of disciplined choices the people we represent expect: preparing for uncertainty, restoring property tax relief and continuing to fund the programs people rely on.
“As chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, I knew we couldn’t sit by while children in our state go hungry because of the cruel actions of the federal administration. That’s why we worked to make sure this budget not only strengthens vital safety net programs – but also lays a foundation for Illinois to step up where the federal government has stepped away.
“A state-level emergency SNAP replacement benefit will strike at the root causes of hunger so people can put food on the table, protecting thousands of vulnerable families from having to make the impossible choice between food and other basic necessities.
“Education is the foundation for lifelong success. From record funding for college financial aid to critical investments to launch the new Illinois Department of Early Childhood, we are continuing to put the children and families of our state first with this budget.
“Despite the unprecedented chaos of historic federal cuts nationwide, Illinois has pushed forward — crafting a budget that cements us as the best state in the nation to work with dignity, live with freedom and raise a family.”
