SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Laura Ellman (D-Naperville) released the following statement after the Senate passed the Fiscal Year 2026 budget with investments preserving infrastructure, education, workforce development, and evidence-based funding:

“This budget allocates investments in priority areas – putting Illinois on the right path to fiscal responsibility and meeting fiscal obligations. We are continuing our commitment to evidence-based funding and education, significantly support Medicaid access, preserving employee pensions and wages, as well as furthering the economic health of our state through investments our workforce programs and state infrastructure. The budget projects environmental leadership, highlighting investments in the OSLAD grant program and staff shortages for IDNR. By investing in priorities that matter to our residents, we are providing stable support to Illinois in these unprecedented times.

“This plan not only lifts up our priority areas, it also establishes a responsible schedule for executing this spending. We are preserving funding for essential programs, maintaining stability and investing in future generations of Illinoisans.”