Springfield, IL (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – A $53.1 billion budget is on its way to the governor.

Just after 2 a.m., the Illinois House agreed to the budget the Senate passed Sunday. The wee-hours vote was meant to meet the requirement that the bill be read on three separate days: Sunday, Tuesday, and (very early) Wednesday.

“Illinois will make the full pension payment for FY 25,” said State Rep. Jehan Gordon-Booth (D-Peoria), the House Democratic leader responsible for the budget. “This budget will make a $198 million investment into Illinois’ rainy day fund. It appropriates $20 billion in all funds for education.”

The House Republicans’ chief budgeteer, Rep. Norine Hammond (R-Macomb), says it’s no longer a legislative negotiation. “It’s an exercise in bullying and absolute power.” Hammond said Democrats are only here for themselves.

State Rep. Blaine Wilhour (R-Beceher City) said the budget does not address the state’s “illegal alien crisis,” noting the state will educate migrant children but will not allocate the necessary funds.

The budget raises taxes on sports betting companies and reduces the discount retailers receive for collecting sales taxes. It also eliminates the sales tax on groceries but grants municipalities the ability to levy their own.

Seven House Democrats – Reps. Harry Benton (D-Plainfield), Anthony DeLuca (D-Chicago Heights), Jennifer Gong-Gershowitz (D-Glenview), Katie Stuart (D-Edwardsville), Nabeela Syed (D-Chicago), Larry Walsh, Jr. (D-Elwood), and Lance Yednock (D-Ottawa) – joined all House Republicans in voting against the bill.

SB 251 SA 3 has passed the House, 65-45, and awaits the governor’s action.