Illinois Lawmakers Pass $55B Budget, Transit Unfunded

Illinois lawmakers approved a $55 billion budget for the next fiscal year just before the midnight deadline, enabling passage by simple majority. The plan is balanced with over $800 million in new taxes on tobacco, vaping, and online sports betting, along with approximately $380 million in spending cuts. Governor JB Pritzker has pledged to sign the budget, marking his seventh consecutive balanced plan. The budget eliminates a Medicaid-style health insurance program for noncitizens aged 42 to 64 but maintains support for seniors. Lawmakers did not address a $770 million shortfall for Chicago-area transit agencies, leaving CTA, Pace, and Metra facing potential service cuts unless a separate funding package is passed later. Republicans criticized the budget for increased taxes and the rushed process, while Democrats said federal funding uncertainty justified their cautious spending.