$55.9 billion in Illinois spending for fiscal 2027 was filed in a 3,500-page Senate amendment, but the companion revenue package and any new taxes were still undisclosed with hours left in session.
Elgie Sims said the plan keeps overall spending roughly flat, fully funds pensions and the K-12 evidence-based formula, preserves local governments' income-tax share, and includes a school-supplies sales-tax holiday plus a freeze on a 1.3-cent gas-tax increase.
The package also would create a one-year FRESH program offering $400 payments to people who lose or see cuts in SNAP benefits, at an estimated cost of about $70 million.
Republicans attacked the late-stage process and specific transfers, including a proposed $150 million diversion of motor-fuel sales-tax revenue to the general fund and a $70 million sweep from the BRIDGE fund.
Lawmakers aim to pass the budget by midnight Monday so it can take effect July 1 with a simple majority; missing that deadline would require three-fifths votes.
With massive pension debt, is Illinois's new budget a real solution or just a temporary patch?
Can Illinois fund its new spending with novel taxes on social media and crypto without future hikes?
Is a one-time $400 payment a sustainable fix for thousands losing long-term federal food aid?