SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines) issued the following statement after the Senate passed the Fiscal Year 2027 budget:
“When federal funding cuts create instability in the programs that hardworking Illinois families rely on the most, it is the job of the state to step up and make responsible financial decisions, while maintaining a balanced budget. This budget protects the priorities of our residents and ensures funding for our schools, community colleges and childcare. Additionally, it reinforces funding for public transit and public safety without creating any new taxes on working families. We recognize the need to have budgetary restraint during these uncertain times.
“By continuing our commitment to the evidence-based funding model, we prioritize the most vulnerable students and schools, showing that Illinois is committed to empowering our students. That belief does not end after high school, as we continue to fund our higher education institutions, MAP and AIM High Grant Programs and give middle-class Illinois students access to grants to ensure every student can attend college or a vocational training and find the academic pathway that works best for them.
“It was reassuring to see rate increases for direct service professionals serving the most vulnerable in society, making their pay competitive with other professions.
“While the cost of living weighs heavily on working families and gas prices continue to rise, I am encouraged that we enacted a balanced, responsible budget that supports working families.”
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