SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Senate passed a balanced budget with bipartisan support today.

The bipartisan budget, which was worked on by lawmakers from Chicago to downstate, includes $350 million for the new school funding formula, a 2 percent increase in funding for community colleges and nearly $600 million in cuts and savings.

State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria) said the budget is a testament to what happens when rank-and-file legislators are able to work together to find common ground.

“When we tried to pass the ‘Grand Bargain’ last year, we were stopped at every step by the governor,” Koehler said. “This budget represents an opportunity for the governor to finally do the right thing, I think he should sign it the day it reaches his desk.”

The budget now goes to the House of Representatives for approval.