Illinois Senate President discusses transit funding, Medicaid cuts, and federal policies’ impact on state budget

The Illinois General Assembly has finished its spring legislative session. The big stories are not just what lawmakers got done — but all the critical issues they left to resolve later on.

There’s a spending plan that includes both cuts and higher taxes — on things like tobacco products and sports betting. But lawmakers did not address a host of issues — including the pending fiscal crisis coming for Chicagoland mass transit, energy rate hikes expected this summer, and a proposal to ban cell phones from classrooms.

One of Illinois’ top Democrats gives his take. 

GUEST

Don Harmon 
President of the Illinois State Senate