State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines) issued the following statement after the Senate passed the Fiscal Year 2026 budget:

“Once again, Illinois has produced a balanced budget that provides funding for essential services, without putting additional tax burdens on working families. It is a plan that puts people first while navigating a complex fiscal landscape. Despite financial challenges, this budget takes a responsible approach to ensuring stability and continued investment in our communities.

“In Illinois, we are fighting to ensure students have access to an equitable education. K-12 education will continue to be fully funded through the evidence-based funding formula, ensuring our youth have the support and resources needed to succeed. The investments in higher education are also notable with a $10 million increase for MAP grants and funding to keep momentum at community colleges all over the state.

“I’m also glad to see wage increases for community care workers and direct support professionals. They are the backbone of support for our seniors and people with disabilities, this wage increase helps recognize their essential work. We need these essential workers in our communities, so I will continue to fight for future increases to support a high-quality workforce to care for our seniors and those with disabilities.

“We are maintaining our funding responsibilities to local governments. Local governments are on the front lines of our communities. Keeping level funding is essential to ensure they have the resources to meet their residents’ needs and keep communities vibrant.

“This budget does the difficult job of ensuring vital services continue to be funded, regardless of the uncertainty of funding from the federal government. I would like to thank my colleagues for coming together to ensure that financial needs of this state are addressed in a fair and equitable way.”