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.”

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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.

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Good news kicks off Senate budget talks

SPRINGFIELD – Members of the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus heard the governor’s state budget proposal Wednesday and will immediately begin bipartisan, bicameral conversations to bring forth a balanced budget that prioritizes Illinoisans in all corners of the state.

“I’m not accustomed to good news in a budget speech. This is a budget proposal unlike any I’ve seen in my time in the Senate,” said Senate President Don Harmon (D-Oak Park). “It speaks to the work we’ve done, together, to bring stability to our state finances. That stability allows us to invest back in our state and provide relief to those hit hardest by the pandemic and associated economic downturn.”

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Harris: I support strengthening our mental health services

State Senator Napoleon Harris Budget Address Reaction 

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Napoleon Harris (D-Harvey) released the following statement regarding a proposed budget that makes mental health and public safety a priority in Illinois: 

“As this pandemic continues to hinder us from returning back to our normal lives it is imperative that our budget provides resources and programs that invest in mental health. I strongly support a budget that will provide $63 million to strengthen behavioral health organizations, sustain the well-being of our frontline workers and invest in mental health programs. 

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