SPRINGFIELD — Following the Senate’s passage of the Fiscal Year 2026 budget, State Senator Julie Morrison highlighted key investments in support services and education after voting in support of the plan.

“Crafting a responsible state budget is always a complex undertaking, and this year was no exception,” said Morrison (D-Lake Forest). “In a year where limited revenue and shifting federal support presented real challenges, we passed a budget that aligns with our core values and the needs of Illinois families.”

The FY 26 budget includes support for direct support professionals who play a vital role in providing daily care and services to individuals with disabilities across Illinois. Throughout budget negotiations, Morrison, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, fought to secure wage increases for DSP positions.

“DSPs are an indispensable piece of our care system, offering compassionate and essential services that allow our most vulnerable residents to live with dignity,” said Morrison. “Protecting their wages was a top priority.”

The budget also upholds Illinois’ commitment to students by fully funding the evidence-based funding formula for K-12 education — a crucial step in the state’s multiyear effort to close funding gaps and improve educational outcomes.

“Students shouldn’t be shortchanged because of where they live, gaps in state revenue or federal rollbacks,” said Morrison. “Sustained investment in public education is critical to the future of our state’s youth, economy and workforce, and not something we can compromise on.”

Morrison remains dedicated to maintaining Illinois’ financial stability in the wake of federal volatility.