Members of the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus applauded the Senate’s passage of the Fiscal Year 2024 budget agreement on Thursday.

“Earlier this year we set out a goal to pass a balanced budget that uplifts all Illinoisans with particular concern for low-income and working families. I commend my fellow legislators for advancing a budget that uplifts all communities instead of pitting needs against one another,” said State Senator Robert Peters (D-Chicago). “I am proud to stand behind a budget that uplifts public safety by investing $200 million for another round of grants for the Reimagine Public Safety Act.”

In addition to investments in the Reimagine Public Safety Act, the Black Caucus applauded educational investments included in the budget, including $350 million toward K-12 education and record funding for need-based financial aid to ensure students can afford college.

“A person’s educational success begins the day they are born. The quickest way to fail a generation is by failing to prioritize their education,” said Lightford (D-Maywood). “In Illinois, I am proud to say we took a positive step toward ensuring our students aren’t failed by an unjust system.”

The FY 24 budget builds upon the responsible spending decisions and balanced budgets passed by the General Assembly over the last five years, prioritizing education, workforce development and more.

“I am proud of the important steps this budget takes to continue the work we have done to put Illinois on sound fiscal footing,” said Senate Appropriations Chair Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr. (D-Chicago). “The budget takes positive steps toward investing in disenfranchised communities, addressing the root causes of violence and funding vital services. I am proud of our commitment to fight for a budget that puts families and communities first, addresses historical disinvestments and builds stronger generations for years to come, all while being good for Illinois taxpayers.”

The budget heads to the governor for final approval.