By Blake Haas and IIS
SPRINGFIELD – Gov. JB Pritzker is signing the new state budget into law – a plan he says offers $1.8B in tax relief for Illinoians.
The Democratic leader calls the new budget a responsible budget that includes direct rebate checks for working families, enacts a one-week back-to-school sales tax holiday and suspends the tax on groceries for one year.
“The budget that I’m signing today brings real improvements to the lives of working families and sets us up for a stronger fiscal future. Putting people first is what this budget is all about,” added Pritzker.
According to the Governor, the budget increases college map grant funding and mental health and substance abuse services.
“This budget is a reflection of our values and our priorities, and it makes it abundantly clear that here in Illinois, our priority is equitable and affordable education for all – and that is worth celebrating,” said Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton.
In addition, the budget funds the hiring of more Department of Family Services (DCFS) workers and 300 new Illinois State Police (ISP) troopers.
Blake Haas can be reached at [email protected].