Lawmakers discuss budget, spending, tax credits as Illinois Senate returns

By Jim Talamonti | The Center Square
The Center Square

(The Center Square) – The Illinois Senate Appropriations Committee chair says greater federal scrutiny of state government spending will not change the General Assembly’s budget process.

State senators are scheduled to return to Springfield this week for session days Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.

State Sen. Elgie Sims, D-Chicago, chairs the appropriations committee.

Sims said increased federal attention would not change the state budget process for lawmakers.

“We’ll still wait and see what the governor proposes in his budget, but we’ll also make sure that we follow the same process that we have as a caucus for the last several budgets. We’ll pass a budget that’s balanced, that’s a statement of our priorities,” Sims told TCS.

Gov. J.B. Pritzker is expected to deliver his budget address to both houses of the General Assembly later this month.

The state budget for fiscal year 2026 was a record $55.2 billion, up from $53.1 billion for fiscal 2025.

State Sen. Darby Hills, R-Barrington Hills, said her priorities are centered around protecting kids and families, keeping communities safe and making life easier and more affordable for families.

“My priority is also making sure that government spending is responsible, sustainable and understandable, because families should be able to plan for their future without surprises or unnecessary costs,” Hills told The Center Square.

State lawmakers passed a $55.2 billion budget last spring.

Hills said she filed Senate Bill 2744 to provide income tax credits for employers of the developmentally disabled.

“They want to be able to be hired, and these would be tax incentives for businesses to hire people with developmental or mental disabilities,” Hills said.

The tax credit would equal 25% of the wages paid during the taxable year, up to $6,000 per employee.