In a significant move, the Illinois General Assembly has passed a record $56 billion budget, marking the largest state budget in history. With the passage of this budget, which includes over $800 million in new taxes on areas such as prediction markets, cryptocurrency, and social media companies, Governor Pritzker emphasized the achievement of balanced budgeting for the eighth consecutive year. Despite some criticism from Republicans concerning tax increases and pension funding issues, the budget also incorporates provisions aimed at affordability and food security. Notably, the budget was passed without resolution on the stalled Chicago Bears stadium deal.