Simmons speaks on proposed budget

SPRINGFIELD – Gov. JB Pritzker gave his annual Budget and State of the State addresses Wednesday, after which State Senator Mike Simmons (D-Chicago) issued the following statement:

“I am pleased to see that this budget proposal recommends $70 million in appropriations for the new 9-8-8 hotline crisis response services for our neighbors who are living with chronic mental health challenges. This is one piece of a larger set of systemic changes that must take place soon to address the unprecedented toll on mental health caused in part by the pandemic and by chronic economic injustice and violence.”

Read more: Simmons speaks on proposed budget

Turner champions measure to bring greater health care to rural Illinois

SPRINGFIELD – To close the health care gap for people living in rural parts of the state, State Senator Doris Turner (D-Springfield) is championing a measure to provide financial incentives to physicians who perform medical services in rural areas.

“Advancing this bill will mean that people across the state will have more attainable access high quality health care,” said Turner. “We must work to restore access to quality and abundant care in rural Illinois.”

Read more: Turner champions measure to bring greater health care to rural Illinois

Illinois Legislative Latino Caucus Responds to State of the State Address, Calls for Greater Equity for the Latino Community

SPRINGFIELD – Following a press conference responding to Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s State of the State address, the Illinois Legislative Latino Caucus (ILLC) issued this statement:

State Sen. Karina Villa (D-West Chicago) said, “We heard good news from the Governor regarding his priority investments, and overall, his budget proposal is a good starting point for further negotiations with my fellow legislators. There are many aspects of this proposal the Latino Caucus supports and have the potential to really make a difference in our community, such as family tax relief, violence prevention, investments in healthcare, education and businesses.”

Read more: Illinois Legislative Latino Caucus Responds to State of the State Address, Calls for Greater...

Jones calls for increased investment in safety net hospitals

SPRINGFIELD – Senate Deputy Majority Leader Emil Jones III (D-Chicago) issued the following statement in response to Gov. Pritzker’s proposed Fiscal Year 2023 budget:

“While we have made progress toward tackling the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, more work must be done to provide protections for our frontline and healthcare workers. Furthermore, we must do more to support our safety net hospitals, which are the backbone for health care in marginalized communities.

“Safety nets make up 19.1% of our state’s hospitals and care for our state’s most vulnerable populations. We must ensure that they are funded properly, and equipped with adequate staffing and resources.

Read more: Jones calls for increased investment in safety net hospitals