Fiscal Stability

A child tax credit, an Early Childhood Department, and more money for K-12 schools: Illinois lawmakers pass 2025 budget

May 31, 2024

The Illinois House passed a $53.1 billion budget with increases for early childhood education, K-12 public schools, and the state’s literacy plan early Wednesday morning by a vote of 65-45. The bill heads to Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s desk for final…

Illinois lawmakers unveil plan to build more affordable housing

May 3, 2024

SPRINGFIELD (WGEM) – Needing nearly 300,000 affordable rental homes and apartments, Illinois has one of the largest housing deficits in the U.S. according to the Illinois Housing Council (IHC), which estimates the state has lost about 20% of its low-rent…

Manley Recognized As A Leader In Springfield

July 31, 2023

In recognition of her hard work and dedication in Springfield and her record of advocating on behalf of working people in her community and across Illinois, state Rep. Natalie Manley, D-Joliet, has been promoted to deputy majority leader, one of…

Illinois Tourism Booming Post-COVID, ‘Middle of Everything’ Campaign Successful

July 16, 2023

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — The tourism industry is booming in Illinois. State leaders announced Monday that Illinois hotels made $308 million during Fiscal Year 2023. Gov. JB Pritzker said that is the highest hotel revenue numbers in state history. 111…

Gov. Pritzker Signs Fifth Balanced Budget

June 12, 2023

CHICAGO – Building on four years of fiscally responsible leadership, Governor JB Pritzker signed the Fiscal Year 2024 budget into law today, delivering his fifth balanced budget while making transformative investments in early childhood, K-12 schools, higher education, workforce and…

Illinois Legislature Passes $50B Budget with Major Investments in Education and Child Welfare

June 7, 2023

The 2023 spring legislative session came to an end in the early hours of Saturday morning after the Illinois House gave its approval to a $50.6 billion spending plan for the upcoming fiscal year that begins July 1. The 73-38…

Illinois Lawmakers Passed Bills on Book Bans, Abortion Rights and Other Issues

June 3, 2023

It took more than a week longer than expected, but Illinois lawmakers wrapped up their spring legislative session early Saturday with a budget and hundreds of measures that passed. The spending plan and bills now go to Democratic Gov. J.B.…

With a $150 Million Infusion, Illinois’ Rainy Day Fund Hits a Record

March 30, 2023

Even as political pressure to boost spending grows, Illinois has taken another step to build up its cash reserves. Comptroller Susana Mendoza reports she transferred $150 million today into the state’s Budget Stabilization Fund, more commonly known as the rainy…

Illinois House Democrats Tackle Constituent Concerns from Economic Relief to Affordable Healthcare and Crime

April 12, 2022

From economic relief for families to crime and affordable healthcare, Democrats in the Illinois House are closing this legislative session with Illinoisans top of mind. House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch joined Governor JB Pritzker, and Senator Don Harmon to pass…

Gov. Pritzker’s Statement on the House Passage of SB2803

March 25, 2022

SPRINGFIELD – Illinois is putting our fiscal house in order and paying off our debt. I applaud House Democrats for prioritizing legislation that will use our resources in the most fiscally responsible way: SB2803 will pay down more than $4.1…