SPRINGFIELD — In response to the Illinois Senate approving the Fiscal Year 2026 budget, State Senator Robert Martwick (D-Chicago) issued the following statement:
“With so much uncertainty around our country’s financial future and the difficulties everyday Illinoisans are facing to make ends meet, I am pleased our budget was able to preserve items like the child tax credit, financial aid for higher education, and mental health services. Now more than ever, working families need these programs, and I am proud we were able to increase the state’s investment in these essential programs.
“I was also encouraged this budget continues our commitment to fiscal responsibility. Allocating savings to our Rainy Day Fund and fully funding our annual pension contribution will ensure our state remains financially stable, sets us up for better credit ratings, and ensures that the next generation is secure.
“However, as the chair of the Senate Pensions Committee, I am disappointed that we were unable to pass a solution to the Tier 2 pension problem. Due to the nature of pensions, not passing a solution now means that next year and the years after, we will have to consolidate an even larger debt, which will be more difficult to accomplish. It is long past time that we work together to pass a solution to this, for our state’s fiscal responsibility and for the retirement stability of thousands of Illinoisans, and I will continue to fight for a timely solution.
“Ultimately, this budget represents an agreement as to the best we could do during a very difficult time. It is frustrating that we were unable to do more for people who are being hurt by the federal government, but I will keep working with my colleagues to deliver critical services for working families and pass a solution to Tier 2 pensions.”
