SPRINGFIELD – Following Gov. JB Pritzker’s annual budget address, State Senator Ann Gillespie (D-Arlington Heights) issued the following statement:

“This proposal makes critical investments in working families, public safety and home health care providers all while meeting our full pension commitment.

“The governor’s Family Relief Plan will save taxpayers an estimated $1 billion by freezing taxes on essentials like gas and groceries, offering property tax rebates to working families and other relief.

“Public safety initiatives were more than tripled in funding and make the largest single investment in our partners in law enforcement for officer training. The proposal builds on the public safety reforms we passed last year and will help create safer communities across Illinois.

“After two years of this public health crisis, home health care workers deserve a raise. Nearly $1.2 billion in state and federal funds are reserved for growing and preserving our health care workforce with an emphasis on home health care workers.

“Following nearly two decades of continual credit downgrades, this year’s budget fully backs our pension commitment with an additional $300 million contribution. The appropriations made in this year’s budget would deliver tangible relief to all who have struggled this year and make fiscally responsible decisions for our long-term financial health.”