‘Blatantly unlawful’ federal spending freeze sends state scrambling
Illinois officials react to the Trump Administration’s pause on federal funding for many programs.
Budget
Budget constraints, caucus tensions face House Speaker Welch in his third term
House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch reflects on the challenges ahead for the 104th General Assembly.
State Board of Education seeks $11.4 billion for PreK-12 spending
The Illinois State Board of Education asked for a 4.6% funding increase in its fiscal year 2026 budget request.
Families, providers of early intervention services seek $60 million in new state funding
Advocates request $60M to expand Illinois’ early intervention services, reducing long wait times and addressing staff shortages.
Lawmakers return to Springfield as projected budget deficit looms
A $3.2 billion projected budget deficit sparked debate over spending priorities as lawmakers returned to Springfield for their fall session.
Pritzker’s budget office projects $3.2B deficit in early look at upcoming fiscal year
Illinois projects a $3.2B deficit for FY 2026, complicating budget negotiations amid flat revenues and rising spending.
Study: Illinois students still struggle with post-pandemic learning loss
Schools face ‘fiscal cliff’ as flow of billions in federal aid comes to an end
State ends fiscal year with nearly $5B cash on hand
Leaders say record balances drive investment revenue, ensure vendors are paid on time
Pritzker signs bill creating new Department of Early Childhood
New agency to bring multiple programs under one roof
Illinois child tax credit: who gets it, how much is it?
$50M tax credit program will provide up to roughly $300 for low-income families
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