Illinois Passes $55 Billion Budget with Tax Hikes | JQJO

Illinois lawmakers passed a $55.2 billion state budget just before a midnight deadline. The budget addresses a $1 billion shortfall through tax increases on smokers, gamblers, and large out-of-state corporations. While Democrats largely supported the plan, some progressives opposed cuts to a healthcare program for undocumented immigrants. Republicans criticized the budget's reliance on tax hikes and included pay raises for legislators. The budget includes new taxes on online sports betting and cigarettes, as well as a new method of taxing out-of-state companies.