GOVERNOR J-B PRITZKER IS CELEBRATING PASSAGE OF LEGISLATION THAT PAYS DOWN SOME SIGNIFICANT STATE DEBTS. 

THE BULK OF THE MONEY, TWO-POINT SEVEN BILLION DOLLARS, WILL HELP REPLENISH THE UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE TRUST FUND. IT WAS DEPLETED PAYING OUT BENEFITS DURING THE PANDEMIC. GOVERNOR PRITZKER SAYS THE BILL ALSO TAKES CARE OF OTHER STATE DEBT AND FUNDS THE REMAINING COLLEGE ILLINOIS TUITION CONTRACTS.

REPUBLICANS, LIKE SENATOR WIN STOLLER OF PEORIA ARE CRITICAL OF THE MEASURE. HE SAYS IT STILL LEAVES A HUGE HOLE IN THE FUND, WHICH COULD HAVE DIRE CONSEQUENCES.

THE LEGISLATION ALSO PAYS OLD STATE EMPLOYEE HEALTH INSURANCE DEBT, PUTS MONEY INTO STATE PENSION FUNDS AND PAYS FOR THE REMAINING COLLEGE ILLINOIS CONTRACTS. THE GOVERNOR SAYS HE WILL SIGN IT INTO LAW IMMEDIATELY.