Welch, House Democrats Deliver Major Investments in Affordability, Economic Security for Illinois Families
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch and House Democrats concluded the spring legislative session this week delivering major affordability reforms and a fiscally and socially responsible state budget that invests in the critical services like healthcare and nutrition assistance.
“We came into this session focused on meeting the challenges of this moment with decisive action, and the conversations families are having around their kitchen tables guided our agenda for Illinois. The results are a promise kept: A state budget that works for families’ budgets. Smart investments in the lifesaving services Washington is trying to slash. And while Washington’s agenda makes everything more expensive, we have focused on affordability,” Welch said. “No state can stop costly tariff schemes, reopen the global supply chain, or bring down the price of oil, but we can take charge of what we can control to provide people with some relief right now.”
Welch and House Democrats led an effort to pass a balanced state budget that works for families’ budgets and makes key investments in lifesaving services the Trump Administration has tried to cut. Thanks to Welch’s leadership, Illinois will expand investment in federally qualified health centers and safety-net hospitals, meeting the need for affordable, accessible healthcare as the Trump agenda threatens Medicaid access for up to 400,000 Illinoisans.
As Trump’s tax cut law has stripped SNAP benefits from 100,000 people in Illinois, Welch’s budget is strengthening access to food security resources. Illinois’ budget includes a major expansion of free and reduced-cost school lunches, so at-risk young people can still be ensured of a hot meal. Welch and Rep. Dagmara Avelar also worked to launch a first-of-its-kind FRESH Program, which offers people who have lost SNAP access a one-time credit of up to $500 to put food on the table while working with providers to navigate new federal rules and reactivate benefits.
“At a time when federal cuts are threatening essential services like healthcare, education and SNAP benefits while driving up everyday costs, Illinois is focused on making these necessities more affordable and accessible,” Avelar said.
Welch and House Democrats also worked to ensure Illinois’ budget is focused on affordability, rejecting tax increases or extreme cuts targeting working people and instead closing corporate loopholes and making big tech companies and crypto billionaires pay their fair share.
Welch and Rep. Katie Stuart prioritized a new back-to-school sales tax holiday in the budget, making school shopping more affordable by cutting sales taxes on supplies, clothes, and other essentials in August.
“I was a teacher and I know how costly it is for the educators who go above and beyond for their students. And as a mom, I know how expensive the back-to-school season can be, especially for little ones who constantly outgrow their clothes and shoes,” Stuart said. “We’re making school supply lists less daunting and expensive for families, students of all ages, and teachers across Illinois.”
Additionally, while Trump’s war in Iran pushes gas prices past $5 per gallon, Welch and House Democrats are working to provide relief at the pump by freezing state gas taxes.
“When my colleagues and I took office in January 2025, I challenged them to meet this moment with bold action,” Welch said. “Every day since, House Democrats have led with a simple focus: People who work hard shouldn’t feel like every day is such a struggle. Opening a bill shouldn’t feel so scary. No one should have to choose between their medication or putting food on the table. As we conclude this session, we know there’s more work to be done. And we’re not done fighting for affordability, for opportunity, and for a brighter future for us all.”
