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Illinois Budget Relies Heavily On Federal Funding

Ted Schurter/SJ-R

Illinois lawmakers have approved a $40 billion state budget and a plan to address tax rates for a casino expansion during a whirlwind special session held amid the coronavirus pandemic. 

The budget approved early Sunday largely maintains funding from the current budget, which the exception of health care agencies affected by the outbreak. It also relies heavily on federal funding.  

The House vote was 68-44 and was largely along party lines. Senate Republicans also voted against the plan, objecting to a small spending spike during a time of uncertainty.

The Senate vote was 37-19.  

The budget package consists of an appropriations bill and an implmentation bill.