SPRINGFIELD- State Senator Laura Murphy released the statement below after a budget deal passed the Senate to put an end to the over two-year budget impasse.

“Today, the Senate voted for a balanced, bipartisan budget to put an end to the impasse that has threatened the future of our state.

“This budget will finally stop the financial bleeding that has cost the state of Illinois over $11 million a day, threatened to put Illinois in junk bond status, eliminated services for seniors and those with disabilities and threatened schools from opening on time. The lack of a budget prevented job growth and job creators from locating in Illinois.

“This is a budget that ensures schools open on time and road work continues. It protects middle class jobs from being eliminated and reinstates MAP grants for college and university students.

“I encourage the governor to immediately sign our proposal to prevent our state from plummeting to junk bond status and further destroying our state.”

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