SPRINGFIELD – After the Illinois Senate approved the Fiscal Year 2026 budget passed the Illinois state senate, State Senator Javier Loera Cervantes (D-Chicago) released the following statement:

“I am pleased that Direct Support Professionals and Community Care Program workers are receiving a wage increase in this year’s budget. As a former SEIU organizer who fought for better wages for these essential workers, I know how important this win is firsthand. These wage increases are long overdue, and I am happy to support a budget that will take care of the people taking care of our loved ones at some of their most vulnerable moments.

“Additionally, I am proud to report that this budget invests more in HOPE Chicago, a local organization that supports South and West side students pursue post-secondary education and workforce pathways debt-free. Last year, I ensured HOPE Chicago received investments from the state to help continue their work supporting students achieve their dreams. I am thrilled that this year, I secured $8 million more for them, so that higher education is more accessible for families throughout our community.  

“I am also hopeful about the budget’s investments in violence prevention initiatives. Taking up my new role as Chair of the Criminal Law Committee, I have spent even more time this year working with my colleagues and advocates on measures to address the root causes of crime and violence. I am glad we are investing in solutions that promote community development and holistic solutions to this pressing issue.

“Moreover, this budget will establish parity in fees on all tobacco products, requiring e-cigarettes, nicotine pouches, and more to be taxed at an equal rate as cigarettes. This statute will not only bring our law up to date with the changing landscape of the tobacco industry, but also generate more revenue for public health initiatives, which I feel strongly about investing in. I’m proud to have advocated for this change in partnership with the Lung Association and the IL Public Health Association, and look forward to how this change can help us invest more into research about public health.

“While I am grateful for the many positive things we have secured in this budget, I am deeply disappointed in the cuts to our health care benefits for immigrant adults program, also known as HBIA. We need to protect our immigrant community now more than ever, and I am committed to working with colleagues on finding a solution moving forward so that immigrant adults have access to health care as well.”