Hanson Ends Legislative Session with Balanced Budget, Lowered Costs, Important Reforms

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Matt Hanson, D-Montgomery, wraps up this year’s spring legislative session by passing landmark legislation that moves Illinois forward and a responsible, balanced budget, without any extreme cuts or tax impositions on working families.

 

“We did a ton of great work in the General Assembly this year, especially when it comes to affordability for the hard-working people of Illinois,” said Hanson. “This new budget ensures that, despite decisions made in Washington, Illinois remains a stable, safe place to live. That means uplifting our communities and resources, while providing relief where we can.”

 

Hanson passed a compassionate state budget that aims to deliver where Washington isn’t. While the federal agenda seems set on raising prices and cutting essential programs, Hanson is prioritizing the needs of his community through…

• Greater food security resources for those affected by SNAP cuts.
• More accessible housing opportunities, including fully funding homelessness prevention.
• Healthcare access for our state’s most vulnerable by investing in federally-qualified health centers and safety net hospitals.
• Providing local governments and school districts with tools needed for property tax relief, including full funding for the Local Government Distributive Fund (LGDF).
• Supporting a back-to-school sales tax holiday and investing in affordable school lunches.
• Pausing a new increase in the state gas tax that would have taken effect this summer.

 

Hanson also introduced, carried, and passed three bills focused on safety. House Bill 5489 expands mental health and substance use considerations for law enforcement when a minor is accused of domestic battery. House Bill 5081 allows local governments to lower speed limits in urban and residential areas, promoting safe driving and removing cost barriers. And House Bill 3743 requires Illinois school districts to provide rail safety information in the student handbook to help avoid train-related accidents.

 

In addition to his own legislation, Hanson co-sponsored, supported, and helped pass a number of significant reforms—from adding protections for neurodivergent individuals and healthcare professionals, to increasing artificial intelligence regulations, to preventing unfair home and auto insurance rate hikes. 

 

“Over the past five months, I have had countless conversations with my colleagues and

constituents, as well as expert witnesses and passionate advocates. Everyone is focused on delivering for the hard working people of Illinois, and what we have accomplished this year in session is a testament to that ideal,” said Hanson.

 

The Illinois spring legislative session concluded the morning of Monday, June 1.

​