|
State senators are scheduled to return to Springfield this week
for session days Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.
State Sen. Elgie Sims, D-Chicago, chairs the appropriations
committee.
Sims said increased federal attention would not change the state
budget process for lawmakers.
“We’ll still wait and see what the governor proposes in his
budget, but we’ll also make sure that we follow the same process
that we have as a caucus for the last several budgets. We’ll
pass a budget that’s balanced, that’s a statement of our
priorities,” Sims told TCS.
Gov. J.B. Pritzker is expected to deliver his budget address to
both houses of the General Assembly later this month.
The state budget for fiscal year 2026 was a record $55.2
billion, up from $53.1 billion for fiscal 2025.
State Sen. Darby Hills, R-Barrington Hills, said her priorities
are centered around protecting kids and families, keeping
communities safe and making life easier and more affordable for
families.
“My priority is also making sure that government spending is
responsible, sustainable and understandable, because families
should be able to plan for their future without surprises or
unnecessary costs,” Hills told The Center Square.
State lawmakers passed a $55.2 billion budget last spring.
Hills said she filed Senate Bill 2744 to provide income tax
credits for employers of the developmentally disabled.
“They want to be able to be hired, and these would be tax
incentives for businesses to hire people with developmental or
mental disabilities,” Hills said.
The tax credit would equal 25% of the wages paid during the
taxable year, up to $6,000 per employee.
|
|
