The Illinois Freedom Caucus said the nearly $56 billion Illinois budget was passed by Democratic lawmakers after midnight, following the scheduled end of the legislative session, with all Republicans voting against it.
According to the statement posted on X on June 1, the caucus said Democrats raised taxes to fund state spending plans. The Center Square reported that the fiscal year 2027 Illinois budget totals $55.9 billion and includes more than $800 million in new taxes and fees, up from a $55.2 billion spending plan for the prior fiscal year.
The budget package includes revenue changes tied to sports betting, tobacco products, hotel re-renters and business taxes. Lawmakers also approved spending for education, health care and other state programs, as reported by St. Louis Public Radio.
The Illinois Freedom Caucus is a legislative caucus of conservative Republican members of the Illinois General Assembly. The group says it advocates for limited government, spending reductions and fiscal responsibility, and is chaired by State Rep. Chris Miller.
