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IL Lawmakers Pass FY 2022 Budget, Amid GOP Opposition

Capitol News Illinois file photo
Credit Capitol News Illinois file photo

The Illinois Legislature worked past its midnight deadline to approve a $42 billion state budget early Tuesday.

The budget was based on tax revenue sources that rebounded much faster from the global pandemic than expected and including $2.5 billion in spending from a multiyear federal relief package.

The plan assembled on the final scheduled day of the Legislature’s spring session incorporated just a portion of the $8 billion Illinois expects in COVID-19 relief money that Congress approved last winter — but that pot includes $1.5 billion in additional construction projects.

House Majority Leader Greg Harris pronounced a balanced budget that reinstates $350 million extra for public schools that was promised annually in a 2017 school-funding overhaul.

House Republican Leader Jim Durkin pointed out numerous parts of the budget bill that the GOP objects to. He says it's a slap in the face to people who are suffering the economic effects of COVID-19:

"Members of the House and Senate get a pay raise. I'm sure we all earned it. Legislative district office allowances were doubled at the same time every employer in our state is trying to cut costs to stay afloat. Talk about priorities!"

Southern Illinois Republican Representative Dave Severin agrees with his leader. He says Democrats rammed the budget through for a vote with ten minutes' notice - without transparency and an opportunity for the public to see what was in it.

Copyright 2021 WSIU Public Radio. To see more, visit WSIU Public Radio.

Jennifer Fuller joined Capitol News Illinois in July 2023 as the organization’s broadcast director. She will oversee the launch and operations of CNI’s new broadcast division.