Illinois senators have approved a package of bills that will make up the state’s budget for next fiscal year.

Capitol News Illinois reports the 53 -billion dollar spending plan increases funding for K-12 education, including an additional 350-million dollars for evidence-based funding.

It also creates a state Child Tax Credit, eliminates the state’s grocery tax, and increases pay for direct-care workers who care for disabled and elderly people.

Senate Sponsor Elgie Sims of Chicago called the bill balanced and responsible.

The fiscal plan was approved mostly along party lines, although two Democrats joined Republicans in voting no. The GOP call it – quote – “unconscionable,” saying it increases spending and taxes on residents who can’t afford to pay any more.

Republican Senator Don DeWitte was among those voting no.

Tax increases in the plan focus mainly on sportsbooks and corporations claiming losses on their taxes.

With Senate approval, the budget now moves to the Illinois House, which returns to Springfield later this week to finish its work for this spring’s session.

Capitol News Illinois is a nonprofit, nonpartisan news service covering state government. It is distributed to hundreds of newspapers, radio and TV stations statewide. It is funded primarily by the Illinois Press Foundation and the Robert R. McCormick Foundation, along with major contributions from the Illinois Broadcasters Foundation and Southern Illinois Editorial Association.