Budget & Taxes

Appropriates $250,000 from the General Revenue Fund to the Illinois Student Assistance Commission for the payment of scholarships to students who qualify for the Journalism Student Scholarship Program.

Amends the Grant Accountability and Transparency Act. Provides that, notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, all subcontractors and subrecipients who receive State grants, whether directly or indirectly, are subject to the provisions of the Act, including auditing by the Auditor General and the transparency provisions of the Act.

Creates the Small Farmer Restoration Program Act. Creates the Small Farmer Restoration Program Fund as a special fund in the State treasury. Provides that the moneys in the Fund, upon appropriation by the General Assembly, shall be used for the purposes of the program, which include grants for the purchase of agricultural conservation easements, technical assistance grants, technical assistance provided by the Department of Agriculture, and administrative costs incurred by the Department in administering the program. Provides that moneys may be deposited into the Fund from federal grants and gifts and donations that are designated and required by the donor to be used exclusively for the purposes of the program. Provides that not more than 10% of available funds under the Act may be used for technical assistance purposes and administration. Provides that not less than 90% of funds available for grants under the Act shall be expended for the acquisition of agricultural conservation easements. Provides that moneys in the Fund shall also be available for the following purposes: (1) to provide technical assistance grants to qualified entities in support of socially disadvantaged farmers who are seeking access to farmland; and (2) to provide grants for the purchase of agricultural conservation easements to qualified easement holders. Provides that moneys from the Fund shall be available in each fiscal year to any qualified easement holder having made an application that has been reviewed by the Department. Provides that subject to appropriation and in partnership with the University of Illinois Extension, the Department shall establish the Farm Conservation Corps to provide residents between the ages of 18 and 29 from socially disadvantaged groups the academic, vocational, and social skills necessary to pursue long-term and productive careers in agriculture. Provides that the Department shall adopt rules to carry out the provisions of the Act, including the adoption of rules that establish a process for submitting and processing of applications for grants no later than December 31, 2026. Provides that rules shall align with existing federal and local programs to maximize potential for matching funds. Amends the State Finance Act to make conforming changes. Effective immediately.

Makes appropriations for the ordinary and contingent expenses of the Department of Public Health for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2025, as follows: General Funds $292,182,000; Other State Funds $302,071,874; Federal Funds $1,120,531,838; Total $1,714,785,712.

Makes appropriations for the ordinary and contingent expenses of the Department of Transportation for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2025, as follows: Other State Funds $4,899,739,695; Federal Funds $15,924,125; Total $4,915,663,820.

Appropriates $1,000,000 from the General Revenue Fund to the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity for a grant to the Community Foundation of Northern Illinois for the purpose of funding the operational and capacity building needs of nonprofits in Winnebago County. Effective July 1, 2025.

SB 1419 appropriates $67 million to the State Board of Education. These funds are designated to cover costs associated with the Healthy School Meals for All Program. The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Appropriates the sum of $4,000,000 from the General Revenue Fund to the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity for grants to certified convention bureaus for the development of tourism, education, preservation, and promotion of the 100th anniversary of Route 66, of which not more than $500,000 shall be used for marketing expenses. Appropriates $1,000,000 from the General Revenue Fund to the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity for expenses relating to the Route 66 Centennial Celebration in accordance with the plan developed by the Illinois Route 66 Centennial Commission. Effective July 1, 2025.

Makes appropriations for the ordinary and contingent expenses of the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2025, as follows: General Funds $11,990,000; Other State Funds $15,606,000; Total $27,596,000.

Makes appropriations for the ordinary and contingent expenses of the Department of Children and Family Services for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2025, as follows: General Funds $1,610,462,600; Other State Funds $846,568,900; Federal Funds $15,816,600; Total $2,472,848,100.