* Two Senate Democrats, Sens. Suzy Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs) and Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) voted against the appropriations bill. Sen. Glowiak Hilton has not responded to requests for comment, nor has she issued a statement (I’ll let you know if she does). From Sen. Joyce…

“The budget has a lot of great aspects, and many of the issues that are important to the 40th District were addressed this year, but ultimately I could not support it.

“There were several spending issues I advocated to change that would have reduced the need for additional revenues. I would like to see continued efforts to reduce long-term debt and increases in funding for line items that would help local communities reduce property taxes and cost of living expenses. These are things we owe to middle class, hardworking Illinoisans.

“While I recognize and appreciate the efforts of my colleagues to address our state’s issues, I cannot in good conscious support a financial plan I believe falls short of adequately addressing the needs of our residents.”

* Sen. Willie Preston (D-Chicago) didn’t have many good things to say about the budget during debate, but he sent me this statement after voting for it…

Ultimately, I weighed the good this budget will do to the benefit of people in my district and the people of Illinois at large. While as I stated in my floor remarks, I don’t believe we go far enough to address the crisis of youth unemployment, particularly that of Black youth, we still have a lot to be proud of in this budget.

* Sen. Doris Turner (D-Springfield) voted for the budget for I think the first time. Her statement…

“I only voted for this budget because Central Illinois will get its fair share. Our priorities are represented throughout with strong investments that generate economic development, bring good-paying jobs to our community, rebuild our roads and prioritize our hardworking families.

“Organizations like Mini O’Beirne Crisis Nursery, which provide 24-hour childcare services to Sangamon County parents, will have the opportunity to expand under this plan. Investing in critical programs, like crisis nurseries, has been a top priority of mine, and I am proud to bring this new funding to the 48th District.”

* Meanwhile, Sens. Glowiak Hilton, Joyce and Meg Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood) all voted against the revenue omnibus bill, which raises $865 million. None have yet explained why.