Illinois Legislature Passes Contentious $53.1 Billion Budget

The new budget includes significant funding for education and child tax credits but faces criticism over tax hikes and prioritization of migrant support.

Gov. J.B. Pritzker's budget allocates $182 million for migrant care and $440 million for undocumented healthcare costs.
The budget introduces a state child tax credit and increases funding for early childhood and K-12 education.
Illinois lawmakers approved the budget in a narrow vote amid heated debates and procedural delays.
The budget relies on $1.2 billion from tax code changes, including tax hikes on sportsbooks and corporate tax deductions.
Critics argue the budget fails to address urgent needs of Illinois residents, such as high gas prices and youth unemployment.