Sims Addresses Budget With 24 Hours to Go
Sen. Elgie Sims (D-Chicago)
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The House and Senate have each dropped a budget as the two chambers work toward final passage Saturday.
Sen. Elgie Sims (D-Chicago), the Senate Democratic budgeteer, spoke with reporters for a few minutes tonight. While it doesn’t sound like the budget is completely locked, he is confident of where they are.
“We are preparing to pass a budget. Discussions are continuing between the House and the Senate,” he said.
He wouldn’t say the exact revenue and spending numbers, but House Democrats told me the spending amount is $55.2 billion, slightly below the $55.4 billion spending plan the Governor introduced in February.
Sims wouldn’t identify specifics but says there are spending cuts. One member told me spending cuts totaled around $380 million.
“There will be significant efficiencies identified in this budget, but it also makes sure we maintain our ability to protect our most vulnerable and invest in our priorities.”
The Governor’s proposal to end the Health Benefits for Immigrant Adults, the Medicaid-style health insurance plan for people in the country illegally, is still out of the budget.
Sims confirmed about a billion dollar in tax in the budget, though he didn’t give specifics.
He did say a tax collection amnesty program remains in the budget, and pointed toward increased sin taxes for things like gaming, tobacco, and vaping.
It also reduces the Evidence Based Funding increase for K-12 education from $350 million to $300 million, we’re told.
Wage increases for Direct Support Professionals in DHS are in the budget, he said.
“This budget recognizes that there are significant challenges that we will face, and it makes sure that the chaos that is coming out of Washington that we are prepared for,” he said. “We are not running away from our responsibilities; we are running towards it.”
Sims said budget would start in the House.
(Thanks to Dave Dahl of WTAX for the tape as I wasn’t camped out with the Senate when Sims spoke.)
