1 Billion State Spending Plan Amid Controversy

In a late-night session on Sunday, Illinois Senate Democrats voted 38-21 to pass a state spending plan amounting to $53.1 billion for the upcoming fiscal year. The approved plan largely aligns with Governor J.B. Pritzker's original proposal, but includes some adjustments that increase expected spending by $400 million.

The budget, which is underpinned by nearly $750 million in tax hikes, includes a 5% pay raise for House representatives, Senate members, and several top state officials. The move has sparked criticism, particularly from Republican lawmakers who argue that the budget prioritizes catering to Pritzker's political aspirations over essential priorities.

Despite blowing past a self-imposed Friday deadline to pass the budget, the Senate worked through the Memorial Day weekend to reconcile differences among the Democratic majorities in both legislative chambers. With the Senate not planning to reconvene until fall, the unity of the Democratic Party will be tested as the House, led by Speaker Emanuel "Chris" Welch, must approve the budget package without alterations for it to reach Pritzker's desk.

Senate President Don Harmon expressed confidence in the House's ability to pass the budget as presented, stating, "The governor, the speaker, and I agreed that was our path forward. I have no lack of faith in the House's ability to do it."

However, Senate Republicans, who lack leverage due to their minority status, have criticized the budget proposal for its focus on issues relating to the ongoing migrant crisis. Senate GOP leader John Curran voiced his concerns, saying, "Unfortunately for Illinois taxpayers, Gov. Pritzker's political ambitions to position himself on the national stage as the country's most progressive governor has far exceeded state tax revenues."

Notably, two Democratic senators, Suzy Glowiak Hilton and Patrick Joyce, joined Republicans in voting against the budget. Joyce expressed a desire to control spending and also pushed for more investments aimed at alleviating the property tax burden.

Key highlights of the approved budget include a slight increase in hourly wages for service providers assisting the developmentally disabled, a more generous child tax credit, and the retention of the standard state income tax exemption that would have adversely affected lower-income families.

The Senate's budget plan places a strong emphasis on education, public safety, and tackling homelessness. Notably, it allocates over $290 million towards the Department of Human Services' Home Illinois plan to prevent homelessness, surpassing Pritzker's original budget proposal.

In addition to the budget, a controversial environmental measure concerning carbon capture and sequestration was also passed by the Senate.

The approved budget plan and pay raises for lawmakers, state officials, and agency heads now await review and approval from the House. As negotiations continue, some Republicans argue that the proposal spends excessively, particularly on noncitizens' healthcare and the migrant crisis in Chicago.

The Senate's plan did not fully meet the demands of direct service providers for the developmentally disabled, who were seeking a $3-per-hour raise. Instead, the proposal offers an increase of up to $1 per hour. Senator Chapin Rose expressed concern, noting the difficulty providers face in finding willing workers for such vital services.

Despite the polarizing nature of the budget debate, with criticisms and calls for increased spending voiced from both sides of the aisle, the Democratic majority successfully passed the budget in the Illinois Senate. The upcoming weeks will determine if the House and Senate can overcome any final obstacles and deliver a finalized budget to Governor Pritzker for his approval.