Illinois Legislature Passes Budget, Fair Tax, Infrastructure, Sports Gaming and Recreational Pot Bills

SPRINGFIELD, IL—In the final days of the session, the Illinois State Legislature came to agreement on a host of measures that could shape the state’s social and economic landscape for years to come.

In a blockbuster session, the Illinois House and Senate came to agreement on a $40-billion state budget, a $45-billion Rebuild Illinois infrastructure plan, a sports betting bill that will allow a casino in the City of Chicago and smaller gaming operations in the suburbs and a bill to legalize recreational marijuana in the state. If that were not enough, state legislators also voted in favor of bringing Gov. JB Pritzker’s “Fair Tax” plan to the voters in November.

The governor’s fair tax proposal would replace the state’s current 4.95% flat tax structure with a graduated tax system. The governor has stated that his fair tax plan would make the wealthy pay their fair share while 97% of taxpayers would pay the same or less state taxes.

The gambling bill would allow for a Chicago casino and legal sports betting in Illinois, as well as slot machines at both airports in the City of Chicago, according to a report in the Chicago Tribune. The measure will also pave the way for smaller casinos in the Waukegan, Rockford, Danville and Williamson County. Slot machines also would be authorized for horse race tracks, and casinos and tracks could host sports betting, the report states.

The affirmative votes on the key bills are victories for Democratic Gov. Pritzker, who said of the passage of the bipartisan, balanced budget, “”With the House’s votes today and the Senate’s votes last night, the people of Illinois now know that we have a truly balanced—and bipartisan—budget. It begins to put our fiscal house in order and builds a bridge to the fair tax, all while supporting job creation and making consequential investments in education and public safety. I’m thankful that legislators from both parties have come together in good faith in these bipartisan votes.”

The state spending plan was approved by the Senate by a 40-19 vote, after passing the House by an 83-35 margin, according to the Chicago Tribune.

On May 31, the Illinois House of Representatives passed House Bill 1438 to legalize recreational marijuana in the state. by a 66-47 vote. The Senate passed the measure earlier in the week.

The bill, if signed by Gov. Pritzker, would allow all Illinois adults aged 21 and older to possess up to 30 grams of marijuana. Those using marijuana for medical purposes would be allowed grow marijuana at home. But recreational users would still be banned from growing, according to a report in Illinois Policy.

The governor has been a vocal supporter of legalizing recreational marijuana.