Macon Reporter

In a recent Facebook post, Rep. Adam Niemerg (R-Dieterich) provided an update on the Illinois budget, which passed the Senate and arrived in the House for its first reading just before midnight. 

The Democrat budget, which amounts to $50 billion, was expected to be debated and discussed late into the night, he posted on Friday, May 26. 

Niemerg shared a link to a Capitol News Illinois report highlighting the Senate chamber discussions. 

"While most Illinoisans were sleeping, the Democrat budget passed the Senate and landed in the House for first reading just before midnight," Niemerg wrote. "We are expecting another late night tonight as we debate the passage of this $50 billion dollar budget."

He anticipated the House would return to session at 5 p.m. on May 26 and gave residents the opportunity to follow along with a live link at ilga.gov/houseaudvid.asp.

Republicans praised Democrats for including them in the budget process, particularly commending Sen. Elgie Sims, who sponsored the budget, according to Capitol News Illinois.

"The discussion in a Senate committee earlier Thursday was at times laudatory as Republicans thanked Democrats for their inclusion in the budget process," Capitol News wrote on May 26. "Praise was especially strong for Sen. Elgie Sims, D-Chicago, who sponsored the budget and had nearly lost his voice by the time it came for a vote due to the long hours of negotiating."

Despite their backing for certain components of the spending plan, Republicans unanimously voted in opposition. In response, Sims passionately defended the budget against criticisms raised by Republicans during floor debates.

"But Republicans ultimately unanimously voted against the spending plan despite GOP lawmakers acknowledging their support for some of its components," Capitol News wrote. "Sims, in turn, gave a fiery defense of the plan after Republicans lobbed criticisms in floor debate."

While emphasizing his commitment to bring fiscal responsibility to Illinois, Gov. J.B. Pritzker announced a budget agreement on May 24 that slightly exceeded the budget proposed in February, WCIA reported.

"I vowed to work with the General Assembly to bring fiscal sanity to Illinois while restoring a compassionate state government that invests in the things that build a stronger economy and future," Pritzker said. "I’m pleased to say that’s exactly what this balanced budget does, for the fifth time in a row."

Niemerg shared a link to a Center Square article reporting that legislators planned to return to Springfield on May 24 to work on the budget. 

In his Facebook post, Niemerg underscored the importance of collaborating to produce a fair and responsible state budget for the people of Illinois.

"It's budget week (again) in Springfield, and we still haven't seen any details from Democrats on their spending proposals," Niemerg wrote. "There is still time to work together to produce a fair and responsible state budget, and we will continue to make every effort to be at the table to do so for the people of Illinois."

As the budget discussions continue, stakeholders await further updates on the final outcome and the implications it will have for the state of Illinois.