SPRINGFIELD – Following the Senate’s approval of the Fiscal Year 2026 state budget on Saturday, State Senator Mary Edly-Allen (D-Libertyville) released the following statement:

“This balanced budget recognizes the significant challenges we are preparing for that are coming out of Washington, D.C. At a time when chaos from the federal administration is causing uncertainty and fear within our communities, Illinois presented a compassionate budget that reflects our priorities and values, including supporting the working middle class and those seeking quality education.

“As an educator and chair of the Senate Higher Education Committee, I am pleased to see the state continuing their commitment to fully funding our public K-12 schools through the evidence-based funding model and including a $10 million increase toward higher education MAP grants for students. Investing in our education is investing in our future.

“The budget also includes a $10 million increase – for a total of $35 million – to afterschool programs, which will help low-income school districts and communities. This additional support will provide stable and secure environments for all students.

“Let me be clear: We cannot allow the hateful rhetoric on the national level to intimidate us. My colleagues and I will continue to fight for more progressive reforms so this budget and future budgets are never balanced on the backs of those already struggling due to inflation and corporate greed.”