Illinois lawmakers – citing the state’s pension costs, budget shortfalls, and empty unemployment trust – are asking for more than $40 billion in no-strings-attached aid from the federal government.
The Center Square reports than in a letter to the state’s Congressional delegation, Senate President Don Harmon said Illinois state government is projecting significant budget shortfalls in the current, coming and preceding fiscal years.
“Illinois could see an estimated revenue loss of $14.1 billion for 2020-2021 due to this pandemic,” they said in the April 14 letter. “This loss would deplete approximately one-third of Illinois’ general funds in one fiscal year, significantly impacting state services and long-term obligations.”
The request is in addition to the funding the state is receiving through the CARES Act, which was passed by Congress and signed by President Donald Trump last month.
