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SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Ram Villivalam (D-Chicago) and State Representative Bob Morgan (D-Deerfield) lauded the inclusion of $20 million for the Nonprofit Security Grant Program in this year’s proposed state budget.

“Our communities face unprecedented levels of discrimination,” Villivalam said. “Keeping our neighbors safe from hate-motivated harm is a top priority, and I am glad to see that reflected in this year’s proposed budget.”

The Nonprofit Security Grant Program was created in 2017 but has yet to be funded through the Illinois Emergency Management Agency. The program is designed to assist nonprofit organizations with purchasing security enhancements, such as cameras, bulletproof glass and reinforced doors; offering safety training to staff; and, under certain circumstances, hiring or contracting security professionals.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) released the following statement regarding the governor’s proposed budget:

“As our communities, working families and small businesses continue to face grave financial struggles brought forth by the ongoing pandemic, it is vital we provide them with tax relief. This budget does just that — by ensuring families are taken care of, while continuing to fully fund our K-12 education system and other important items to help our state thrive.”

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Steve Landek (D-Bridgeview) provided the following statement after hearing the governor’s budget address Wednesday:

“This is a fiscally responsible budget plan that provides relief to working families and local governments alike. The COVID-19 pandemic brought forth two years of unfathomable financial hardships for people of all walks of life, and this budget recognizes that.”

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.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Bill Cunningham provided the following statement after hearing the governor’s budget address Wednesday:

“The governor has presented a responsible budget plan that pays the state’s bills and meets our pension obligations. This fiscal stability will help allow the state’s economy to continue to grow.”

SPRINGFIELD – Following Gov. JB Pritzker’s budget address, State Senator Adriane Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove) released the following statement:

“The governor’s budget proposal keeps Illinois on track to maintain our commitment to protect vital human services and social safety nets while working to expand assistance programs that help working families get by. 

“Systemic disinvestment has hurt economic viability in Black and brown neighborhoods, which has led to an increase in gun crimes. By funding crucial public safety initiatives and programs for at-risk youth, we can prioritize intervention in areas ravaged by violence and revitalize our communities.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest) released the following statement after the governor’s Wednesday State of the State and Budget Address:

“Following recent events within the Department of Children and Family Services that has led to unspeakable harm for both children in care and workers alike, there was no question real, tangible solutions needed to be brought forth.

“The governor’s proposed budget allocates millions of dollars to address staffing shortages by hiring hundreds of additional employees and providing high-level training. This is a step in the right direction.

SPRINGFIELD – In response to the governor’s annual budget address Wednesday, State Senator Celina Villanueva (D-Chicago) issued the following statement:

“It’s clear that certain communities have been disproportionately impacted by the pandemic, demonstrating the need for a comprehensive plan to expand access to health care and public health resources while also working toward a more equitable society. One of our top priorities has to be ensuring the safety and wellbeing of immigrant communities, who continue to struggle finding access to supportive resources.”