SPRINGFIELD – Thanks to steadfast, responsible leadership from members of the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus, the governor signed the state’s fifth balanced budget in a row into law Wednesday.

“Passing this budget was an exercise in trust, working together to prioritize paying down debt, shoring up our rainy day fund and ensuring a durable, balanced budget,” said Senate President Don Harmon (D-Oak Park). “I want to thank Governor Pritzker for his commitment to responsible budgeting. I also want to thank Speaker Welch for his partnership and the incredible Senate budget negotiators for their hard work. The future looks bright for Illinois.”

The Fiscal Year 2024 budget reflects fiscal responsibility, building upon four years of historic fiscal progress with a commitment to balanced budgets, eight credit rating upgrades, a Rainy Day Fund set to surpass $2 billion, and the elimination of the bill backlog.

Prioritizing education from birth to graduation, the budget includes investments to expand preschool and ensure that everyone at or below the median income level can go to community college for free.