Governor Pritzker made the announcement on Wednesday afternoon, flanked by Senate President Don Harmon and House Speaker Chris Welch. Lawmakers returned to Springfield to complete the budget, after missing their self-imposed deadline of Friday, May 19th. The budget includes 250 million dollars for the new Smart Start Illinois program, and 50 million for early childhood capital improvements. Pritzker also said that agreement helps to eliminate childcare deserts in the state.