Illinois Senate approves $50.6 billion budget

SPRINGFIELD — The Illinois Senate late Thursday approved a $50.6 billion state budget as Democrats finally found common ground after missing an initial self-imposed deadline and engaging in several extra days of deliberations.

The measure now goes to the House, which is expected to vote on it this weekend.

The Democratic-controlled Senate approved the budget by a 34-22 vote without any Republican support, although members of the minority party largely toned down their perennial criticisms about being excluded from negotiations. Still, they accused Democrats of ignoring their priorities.

Three Democrats — Sens. Suzy Glowiak Hilton of Western Springs, Patrick Joyce of Reddick and Doris Turner of Springfield — joined Republicans in opposing the spending plan.

Democratic Sen. Elgie Sims of Chicago, the chamber’s lead budget negotiator, expressed disappointment at the lack of Republican support.

“We want your partnership,” Sims said to the other side of the aisle before the vote…