Senate Democrats react to governor's budget proposal

SPRINGFIELD — Following Gov. JB Pritzker’s budget proposal speech Wednesday, Senate Democrats expressed their thoughts on the priorities he outlined and their concerns about the areas they feel must remain the focus as negotiations begin in earnest.

Senate Democrats’ top budget negotiators said they found much to like in Pritzker’s message but stressed that negotiations are just beginning. Read more.

Meanwhile, members of the Black Caucus said the proposal moves Illinois back on track toward supporting disadvantaged communities. Read more.

Additionally, the Illinois Latino Caucus said they look forward to collaborating with Pritzker to devise a series of strategies anchored in addressing the chronic fiscal and structural issues faced by our state in both spending plans and revenue generation. Read more.

To read reactions from other Democratic members of the Illinois Senate, click here.

Cappel, Connor urge motorists to drive safely, follow Scott's Law

WILL COUNTY — To help keep first responders safe while they assist motorists on the side of the road, State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel (D-Plainfield) and State Senator John Connor (D-Lockport) are reminding residents to reduce speed, switch lanes if possible and drive cautiously when emergency lights are visible.

"Scott's Law means move over for emergency vehicles, which is especially important with the winter weather conditions we're currently experiencing," Loughran Cappel said. "I am grateful the trooper involved in the accident in Will County has been released with non-life-threatening injuries, and I urge drivers to move over and drive slowly when passing emergency vehicles to prevent further tragedy."

Read more.

Johnson completes first round of small business tours

BUFFALO GROVE — State Senator Adriane Johnson has seen small businesses in the community suffer like never before. To provide those businesses support and let their owners know she is there to help them through this difficult time, the Buffalo Grove Democrat toured a number of shops throughout the Northern Suburbs.

“Small businesses have faced unimaginable challenges this year, and many owners worry daily if they’ll be able to make it through the winter months,” Johnson said. “Each person I met has faced a unique set of challenges. I’m hopeful our conversations served as a reminder that people are looking out for them and want to see them succeed.”

Read more.

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