Morris Helps Pass Budget Delivering Relief for Families Across the 9th District

CHICAGO – State Rep. Yolonda Morris, D-Chicago, helped pass a balanced state budget that delivers relief for families, lowers everyday costs, and protects critical services that residents across the 9th District rely on.

The budget includes investments in food security, healthcare, affordable housing, and education while providing direct relief to families facing rising costs.

“Families across the 9th District are working hard every day, but too many are struggling to keep up with the rising cost of groceries, housing, healthcare, and other essentials,” Morris said. “I supported this budget because it puts people first. It delivers meaningful relief for working families while protecting the services our communities depend on.”

Key investments in the Fiscal Year 2027 budget include:

• Nearly $100 million to strengthen food security, including the creation of the FRESH Program, which provides eligible families with a one-time credit of up to $400 while they work to restore nutrition benefits. The budget also expands access to free and reduced-price school meals and supports the Illinois Grocery Initiative to increase access to fresh food in underserved communities.

 

• Back-to-school tax relief by eliminating the state sales tax on clothing, school supplies, and other essential items beginning in August, helping families and educators save money during the school year.

 

• A freeze on the state gas tax, providing relief for commuters and working families facing higher transportation costs.

• $500 million in affordable housing investments, including support for new housing construction and programs designed to help middle-income families find quality, affordable homes.

 

• Full funding for safety-net hospitals and an additional $10 million for Federally Qualified Health Centers, helping ensure residents continue to have access to quality healthcare services.

 

For families throughout the 9th District, these investments will help address some of the most pressing challenges facing working households. From expanding access to healthy food and affordable housing to protecting healthcare services and reducing everyday expenses, the budget reflects priorities that residents have consistently identified as essential to building stronger, healthier communities.

From helping parents put food on the table to protecting healthcare access and expanding affordable housing opportunities, this budget makes investments that will strengthen communities across the 9th District, Morris said. While there is always more work to do, this budget takes important steps to make Illinois more affordable and ensure families have the support they need to thrive.

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