SPRINGFIELD – After months of negotiations with lawmakers, state agencies, and other stakeholders, State Senator Laura Murphy (D—Des Plaines) is declaring the budget and tax relief plan a win for working families, who will receive nearly $2 billion in financial assistance.

“Not only did we pass a balanced budget and an ample tax relief plan, it’s a package that provides an unprecedented investment to help low and middle-class families,” Murphy said. “I’m proud to have helped create a plan that prioritizes working families in our community, and will give them a path to bounce back after the challenges of the past two years.”

In addition to providing relief for working families, the budget invests an additional $200 million than what was initially proposed for public safety. The budget allocates funds to strengthen violence prevention programs, the tools law enforcement need to prevent and solve crimes, and more.

Further, the tax relief plan includes a suspension on the 1% state grocery tax for a year, as well as a suspension of the state’s portion of the gas tax increase—saving consumers approximately $470 million in total.

Additional support for working families and teachers is back-to-school tax relief through a sales tax holiday in August, a teacher classroom supplies reimbursement and an increase in MAP grants permitting more college students access to tuition assistance.

"This package makes essential investments in our communities. It’s the right path for families and small businesses to reap success,” Murphy said. "We are also making providing additional funding to law enforcement—permitting additional tools to make our communities safer.”

If signed by the governor, the Fiscal Year 23 budget will take effect July 1, 2022.