SPRINGFIELD – The Fiscal Year 2024 budget was signed into law today with plans to prioritize education and expand the workforce. In response, Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford (D-Maywood) released the following statement:

“I am proud to support a balanced budget that invests in students, families and communities across Illinois. The Fiscal Year 2024 state budget invests in the future of Illinois, providing record funding for early childhood education, higher education and trade schools.”

“I am pleased to see investments prioritizing early learning for all Illinoisans by removing systemic barriers that disproportionally impact underserved populations by expanding programs, and improving the early education workforce to support retention efforts and promote job growth.”

“Thousands of marginalized, first-generation students will have the opportunity to continue their education through grants for college costs outlined in this budget plan. Further, the budget includes valuable investments in workforce training programs for teens and young adults after high school.”

“My commitment to providing quality and affordable education opportunities from birth to college for families in Illinois is backed by this budget. I am proud to support a budget that is responsible, compassionate, and provides our youth with greater opportunities for success. With this budget plan, we are promoting diversity in a skilled workforce prepared to meet the needs of our communities and ready to be frontrunners in the industries of the future.”