Governor JB Pritzker has signed the state budget into law. On Wednesday afternoon, officials joined Pritzker at the Christopher House in Chicago to sign the plan.
The budget passed through both chambers with no support from the Republicans, according to the governor. The plan is proof that Pritzker is keeping his 2018 campaign vows to restore fiscal responsibility to Illinois after years of mismanagement.
Main Focal Point
A main focal point of Pritzker’s budget is aimed at the Smart Start initiative. It is increasing funding for childcare providers, improving access to preschool, and investing in early childhood facilities. Moreover, there is $250 million allocated for the Smart Start initiative for the first year of the multiyear plan.
“Here we are four years later, and just look at what we’ve accomplished. We eliminated overdue bills, [and] paid down $10.5 billion in debt, including pension debt. Our once-empty Rainy Day Fund is now rising to $2 billion. Our GDP has surpassed $1 trillion, and we have more jobs available than ever before. And independently, and if you don’t love all of that,” Pritzker stated to the audience. After pausing for applause, he continued, “independently, each of the major credit rating agencies has given us multiple credit upgrades.”
Pritzker’s Office Reviewed Previous Plans
His administration reviewed the previous budget plan and found there was a cost-of-living pay raise for legislators, constitutional officers, and appointed officers of the executive branch that exceeded 5%. The governor’s office felt this was unconstitutional and reduced the line item by $192,700.
If the reduction hadn’t been made, Illinois legislator’s pay would have jumped to nearly $90,000 for the fiscal year which begins July 1. Earlier in the year, through a supplemental appropriations bill, legislators approved a salary bump. That bill increased their pay from $72,906 to $85,000.
Several of the state’s leaders were unhappy with the decision to cut the pay bump. In particular, Illinois House Republican Leader, Tony McCombie (R-Savanna), called it “paltry.” Which means petty or trivial. Adding that the change may have made it follow state laws, but it didn’t “make it right.”
Other Aspects of the Budget
Additionally, the budget includes $100 million in additional MAP grant funding for higher education. Moreover, there is a $100 million increase for public universities and $350 million for Illinois’ K-12 evidence-based school funding formula. In addition, funding for the state’s community colleges was increased by $19.4 million.
Now, anyone at or below the median income level will be able to attend community college for free. This is all thanks to the additional funding for the MAP grant program.
Illinois House of Representatives, Emanuel Chris Welch, the plan shows the state “can be fiscally responsible and compassionate.”
By Sheena Robertson
Sources:
Chicago Sun-Times: Pritzker touts early education funding, signs $50.4 billion budget called ‘fiscally responsible and compassionate’
ABC 7 Chicago: Governor JB Pritzker signs $50B state budget
Top and Featured Image Courtesy of Raymond Cunningham‘s Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
Inset Image Courtesy of Jonathan Cutrer‘s Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
