The Illinois Senate is approving the expenditure of nearly five billion dollars in federal funding for social service programs, plus a two year freeze on property taxes. Although the money is from the federal government, the current budget stand off means it can’t be spent on programs for domestic violence and the disabled. State Senator Heather Steans says without this money, those who need help the most are suffering.
Governor Bruce Rauner says he supports the measure. In addition, the Senate also passed a bill freezing property taxes for two years and revamping the way schools are currently funded. Both now move to the House.