Illinois Budget Deal and New Taxes

Illinois lawmakers close their session with a $56 billion budget aimed squarely at families hit hardest by rising costs after federal food aid cuts. To plug gaps, they’re eyeing new taxes on crypto, fantasy sports, and digital ads — though legal hurdles loom — while shifting sales tax from sugary drinks to construction and general funds. Progressives say it doesn’t go far enough for education and healthcare, while Republicans criticize the new taxes as premature and the budget as bloated. Meanwhile, the Chicago Bears stadium push, restored local income tax funding, a statewide cellphone ban in schools, a one-time FRESH food aid payment, and a gas tax pause plus back-to-school sales tax holiday keep lawmakers busy — all in a frantic effort to balance budgets and meet urgent community needs. Support the show:Get a discount at https://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/e3edbea4776783d4