SPRINGFIELD — Assistant Majority Leader Linda Holmes (D-Aurora) released the following statement in response to the Senate’s passage of a balanced Fiscal Year 2025 Budget that prioritizes fiscal responsibility, boosts education and public safety and makes the full pension obligation payment:

“This budget is balanced and responsible. The last several years, fully funding our pension obligation while earning nine credit upgrades has saved Illinois taxpayers millions of dollars. We are making smart investments in the future through our health care, education and infrastructure funds.

“I’m glad to see local governments will receive nearly $1 billion in resources to make up for decreases they’ve endured in the past.

“I’m particularly pleased to see our new Farm to Food Bank program receive funding to put in motion distribution of farmers’ surplus fresh foods to Illinois food banks. They have been stretched thin by ever-increasing demand, and this will help families keep healthy food on the table.”