Illinois Senate Passes $53.1B Budget with Tax Hikes and Grocery Tax Elimination

The Illinois Senate approved a $53.1 billion state budget for fiscal year 2025, which includes the elimination of the grocery tax starting January 2026. The budget, which passed with a 38-21 vote, also features increased taxes on sports wagering and video gaming, and allocates funds for universal preschool and a Medicaid-style health plan for noncitizens. The House will vote on the budget before it goes to Governor Pritzker, who largely got his wishlist fulfilled despite some opposition and compromises.