SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria) released the following statement after the governors Fiscal Year 2027 Budget passed the Senate Monday:
“As we stare down a nationwide affordability crisis, we face a different set of challenges for this year’s budget. It was important for us to balance the budget while making Illinois a more affordable place to live, despite the federal administration's inconsistence on issues like SNAP funding, higher education, and school funding. We have once again provided a balanced budget that funds our critical social safety nets.
“We are meeting the moment we are in by adding $17 million for school lunch programs and supporting the FRESH benefits program to supplement those who are losing or have reduced SNAP benefits. Additionally, we are bolstering higher education and implementing a back to school sales tax holiday, which will drop the states sales tax on school supplies for several days – providing relief for families who are already struggling to make ends meet.
“Even with our state caught in the crossfire of the federal administration, we are still finding ways to help fund those who need it the most, whether that is SNAP benefits, school lunches and supplies, or our higher education system.”
