Illinois budget near-final shape as session deadline looms

Illinois Senate filed a late, roughly $55.9 billion FY2027 budget with revenue specifics still undisclosed; the plan preserves pension funding and K-12 funding, keeps local funding intact, and includes a school-supplies sales tax holiday along with a freeze on the 1.3-cent gas tax increase. Lawmakers would receive about a 3% pay raise; funding relies on fund sweeps, and a separate Budget Implementation Bill would provide a one-time $400 payment for SNAP beneficiaries affected by new federal rules under the FRESH program. Adjournment is imminent as tax details remain under negotiation.