SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Robert Martwick (D-Chicago) released the following statement today regarding the governor’s proposed budget:

“The impact this pandemic has had on our communities shows how necessary it is for Illinois to provide relief to the working families who have unprecedented struggles. This proposal is a good starting point – as it fully funds our education systems, while paying down debts and contributing more money to our state’s pension fund.”

“Two years ago, I proposed the pension buyout program which has now saved $1.4 billion in pension obligations, reduced our liabilities and helped the state achieve credit upgrades for the first time in decades. I’m pleased to see the governor acknowledge the program’s success and I look forward to working with him to extend it.”

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Patricia Van Pelt (D-Chicago) issued the following statement in response to Gov. JB Pritzker’s State of the State address:

“It is imperative that we fund further initiatives to keep our communities safe, as many Illinoisans are living in fear due to gang violence and carjackings. I am glad that, finally, the Gang Crime Witness Protection Program I sponsored will be receiving $20 million in funding. This program is crucial to ensure that we can keep Illinoisans safe from the violence that plagues our communities.

“I will continue to advocate for an end to the violence that interferes with the safety of our most vulnerable populations, and for increased investment in violence prevention initiatives.

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. 

LOCKPORT – In response to the governor’s budget proposal, State Senator John Connor (D-Lockport) issued the following statement:

“In the face of the unprecedented challenges of the last two years, the proposed budget displays fiscal responsibility and offers statewide economic relief.

“The proposed budget puts Illinois on track by repaying all COVID-related borrowing, paying off our delayed insurance bills and contributing more than the minimum to our pension fund. We are also quite literally paving the way forward for our state through infrastructure investments here in the 43rd District and across Illinois.

PEORIA – State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria) issued the following statement after the governor’s Fiscal Year 2023 budget proposal Wednesday afternoon:

“During this time of unprecedented challenges, the proposed budget gives a well-deserved and much-needed helping hand to Illinoisans hardest hit by the pandemic.

“This budget addresses the needs of some of the most vulnerable individuals across our state through additional resources for the Department of Children and Family Services, increased funding for public health preparedness, and expanded home care and food delivery programs for older Illinoisans.

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.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Rachelle Aud Crowe (D-Glen Carbon) issued the following statement in response to the governor’s budget proposal on Wednesday:

“Increasing funding for public education, making college more accessible, recruiting additional law enforcement officers and supporting other public safety measures all coincide with my priorities in the Senate. Illinois needs a fiscally responsible budget that prioritizes recovery for our communities. 

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) issued the following statement following Gov. JB Pritzker’s Budget Address Wednesday:

“The governor introduced a budget proposal at a critical moment in our state’s history. As we continue our recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, we are faced with many challenges, but this proposal sets forth the priorities to address them while also recognizing the importance of achieving and maintaining fiscal responsibility.