Hernandez-backed State Budget Signed into Law

CHICAGO — The latest balanced state budget was signed into law early today, thanks to the work of state Rep. Elizabeth “Lisa” Hernandez, D-Cicero, who prioritized relief for Illinoisans and investment in critical resources the Trump Administration is trying to slash. 

“Times are tough for the millions who call Illinois home – due in no small part to the reckless efforts by the Trump Administration to kick families off SNAP, hold back congressionally-approved funds for roads, schools, law enforcement and more,” Hernandez said. “I am proud of the House’s work to put together a state budget that fills these resource gaps and puts us on a better financial footing. There’s no doubt in my mind that Washington will continue to try to hinder our efforts to support families, but today’s developments will give us the tools we need to lower costs and create a brighter future for our communities.”

The Hernandez-backed budget takes a number of smart steps to help families, including:

• Nearly $100 million to help families afford groceries and put food on the table. Hernandez’s budget includes a new FRESH Program, which provides a one-time credit of up to $400, giving families a lifeline while they work with providers to reactivate benefits. Additionally, the budget expands free and reduced-cost school lunches ensuring children affected by SNAP cuts have a sustainable meal, and funding for the Illinois Grocery Initiative to expand access to fresh food in food deserts. 

 

• Making back-to-school shopping more affordable by cutting the state sales tax on clothes, supplies and essentials for students, families and teachers beginning in August.

 

• Restoring property tax relief grants for schools so communities can get relief. 

 

• $500 million focused on affordable homes for working families, including investment in new home construction to meet the needs of working families who do not qualify for traditional assistance, but still face a significant lack of quality homes in their price range—a growing population known as the “missing middle.” 

 

• Keeping our streets and families safe by fully funding homeless prevention and community-based violence prevention initiatives. 

 

This budget keeps families safe and strengthens communities. As families face healthcare access threats like Medicaid cuts, the new state budget delivers full funding to maintain and operate critical safety-net hospitals, with an additional $10 million dedicated to support Federally Qualified Health Centers for the most vulnerable families.