Illinois Approves Budget Amidst Federal Uncertainty And Criticism

Illinois Lawmakers Pass $55. 2 Billion Spending Plan Amidst Federal Uncertainty In a whirlwind session, Illinois lawmakers have approved a $55. 2 billion spending plan, narrowly avoiding a potential fiscal crisis. The plan, supported by $55. 3 billion in revenue, includes a mix of existing funds and new revenue streams, such as $1 billion in new taxes and revenue changes.

The budget and capital spending plan, comprising four separate bills, was part of a massive package of legislation that was introduced and passed in a remarkably short 48-hour period. This has drawn criticism from some lawmakers, who argue that the rushed process lacks transparency. Rep. John Cabello, R-Machesney Park, expressed frustration with the accelerated timeline, saying... "We're rushing this process like we always do.

'Let's hide this stuff. Let's hide it so that the public doesn't see it until it's too late.'" However, House Majority Leader Robyn Gabel, D-Evanston, "defended the plan," "citing the need for fiscal responsibility in the face of uncertain federal leadership." "I am very pleased to be able to present a balanced budget crafted to be fiscally and socially responsible... because we see the decisions made in Washington right now are neither," she said.

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The $55.2 billion spending plan is supported by $55.3 billion of revenue, including just over $1 billion in new taxes and revenue changes. The four bills making up the budget and capital spending plan, were part of a flurry of thousands of pages of legislation that went from introduction to passage in the final 48 hours of the legislative session.