SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Laura Ellman (D-Naperville) released the following statement in response to the passage of the state budget for fiscal year 2022:

“I am pleased that the budget passed by the General Assembly takes essential steps to improve our state’s fiscal status while continuing to invest in areas that promote growth for our state: health care and social services, education, and business development. This budget puts Illinois back on a path to financial stability.

“By paying down the entire $3.2 billion in short-term loans Illinois took out during the COVID-19 pandemic, we will save tens of millions of dollars in interest payments for taxpayers. This should send a strong message to the nation and to bond rating agencies that Illinois is serious about fiscal discipline.”