SPRINGFIELD – After the Illinois State Senate passed the Fiscal Year 2026 state budget on Saturday, State Senator Celina Villanueva (D-Chicago) released the following statement:

“This was not an easy vote, and it was not an easy budget year. There were real tradeoffs—hard conversations, limited resources due to the uncertainty of the federal government, and communities in crisis. But throughout it all, I stayed grounded in my values and the needs of the people I represent. This budget reflects a commitment to protecting our most vulnerable, defending our freedoms and investing in communities too often overlooked.

“I’m proud that we were able to maintain funding for critical services—especially reproductive health care, immigrant support services, mental health, and violence prevention. These are not luxuries. These are lifelines for families who have been left behind for far too long.

“We’re expanding funding for education, from early childhood to higher education, while breaking down systemic barriers that have shut too many of our students out. Through measures I’ve championed this year, we’re building a future where undocumented students have equal access to financial aid and every young person can pursue their dreams without fear or shame.

“At a time when our communities are being targeted—whether it’s immigrants, LGBTQ+ youth or women seeking reproductive care—Illinois continues to lead with boldness and compassion. We are protecting civil rights, expanding access to justice, and rejecting the politics of fear and division.

“Was this a perfect budget? No. But in a year full of uncertainty and pressure, we stood firm in our priorities and moved forward with a focus on equity, safety and compassion. And I’ll keep fighting to make sure that promise reaches every corner of our state—from Little Village to every classroom, clinic and community center where our work matters most.”