SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Tom Cullerton (D- Villa Park) is happy to see the Fiscal Year 2022 budget, which passed the Senate Tuesday. The budget fully funds education and local governments, as well as making investments in important programs that will help Illinois’ communities return to normalcy.

“I am pleased to see our local governments will be fully funded, and roads, infrastructure and local parks will receive their full allotment,” Cullerton said. “Our towns, villages, and counties will have to be flexible to continue to meet the unique needs created by the pandemic.”

The budget includes the annual increase for education from the evidence-based formula, which will help school districts move back to on-campus learning and address the challenges the past year has presented.

To help the state get back to normalcy, Illinois will also receive a substantial amount from the federal American Rescue Plan to go toward small business recovery, community support programs, and the health care sector.

Additionally, the budget fully funds the annual pension payment, pays off loans to the federal government, and reduces the state’s bill backlog.

“It’s been a difficult year, but this budget addresses a lot of the problems that arose over the course of this pandemic,” Cullerton said. “From schools to small businesses, this budget will help communities get back on their feet and allow Illinois to move forward into a fiscally responsible future.”

The budget passed the Senate Tuesday.