Members of Illinois’ Congressional delegation are weighing in on the $3.5 trillion spending plan the U.S. House allowed to proceed Tuesday. The Democrats’ resolution, passed along party lines, could mean a major expansion of benefits. Before the vote to allow the $3.5 trillion spending proposal to be crafted, Rep. Bill Foster (D-Ill.) said in a statement the spending brings “transformative investments in the health and financial security of hard-working families.” “A budget should be a statement of values, and this budget is a clear statement that Congressional Democrats are committed to enacting bold policies to help lift up workers and families by extending the Biden Child Tax Credit, creating the first-ever paid family and medical leave benefit, and establishing universal pre-K and tuition-free community college,” Foster said. “This budget also prioritizes the health of our environment so that we can tackle climate change—and its consequences for our economy—head on.” The …