In a hurried conclusion to the legislative session, Illinois lawmakers approved a $55.2 billion budget that includes significant tax increases on sports betting and tobacco products. The budget, which will raise taxpayer contributions by an estimated $1 billion, faced scrutiny for cuts to essential programs, including immigrant healthcare, and a lack of funding for mass transit and public infrastructure such as the Bears stadium. Governor JB Pritzker and Democratic leaders celebrated the passage, attributing fiscal challenges to previous administrations, while Republican lawmakers criticized the spending plan as irresponsible. The budget was finalized just before a midnight deadline, showcasing the contentious nature of the negotiations and the divide between party lines on fiscal priorities.