SPRINGFIELD – Following Gov. JB Pritzker’s annual State of the State and budget address, State Senator Cristina Pacione-Zayas (D-Chicago) released a statement reacting to the governor’s proposed Fiscal Year 2023 budget:

“After an unprecedented two years, we are still working to make sure Illinois families have access to the resources they need to not only survive, but also thrive as we work toward recovery.

“Caring for our children and young people is a fundamental priority because they serve as a barometer for community well-being. If the children are well, the parents and adult caregivers are well, and the environment is safe and clean, then it indicates that society is well. This is even more true now with the impact of compounding stressors imposed by the pandemic that only revealed existing deep disparities in school districts throughout the state. By investing over $350 million in the Evidence-Based Funding Formula, $54 million in the Early Childhood Block Grant, supporting proposals to reverse the teacher shortage, and facilitating access to mental and behavioral health, the proposed budget makes an effort to right the course by holistically supporting our young children, students, teachers and families.

“However, I look forward to deeper discussion with colleagues and the Governor’s office to ensure families with limited access to financial resources are able to benefit from an expanded Earned Income Credit, new Child Tax Credit, rental and mortgage relief, and seed deposits for Child Savings Accounts. When we equip families with tools for financial stability, it fuels local economies and sets them on a course for improved life outcomes.”

“Lastly, Chicago has seen a gut-wrenching increase in reported violence; however, it was not unforeseeable due to past funding disparities with affordable housing, violence prevention, public education, economic development, and social services. Collective advocacy for increased and equitable investments will continue to be important for communities historically marginalized by past failed policy. From investing in community-based organizations through the Reimagine Public Safety Act to helping law enforcement agencies purchase body cameras and launch an emergency co-responder model for mental health crises, multiple measures in the proposed budget will help protect and support individuals in our communities.

“As I hear from residents of the 20^th district in the coming months, I look forward to making sure the priorities of our community are heard.”

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