SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) released the following statement in response to passage of the Fiscal Year 2022 budget:

“After the hard year we’ve endured, it was vital that we supported a plan that adequately funds our health care and human service programs. I am satisfied that the plan has prioritized funding for Medicaid and other health and human services.

“I’m also glad that several ethics reforms will be implemented including prohibiting elected officials from lobbying other units of government, prohibiting all political fundraisers during legislative session and pro-rating the salaries of General Assembly members who leave office prior to the end of their term.

“Many communities have been roiled by the COVID-19 pandemic, especially communities of color, and it is necessary that the organizations they count on most are properly funded during this time.

“I believe the massive debt reduction of over $3 billion will help families get back on their feet.”

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Tom Cullerton (D- Villa Park) is happy to see the Fiscal Year 2022 budget, which passed the Senate Tuesday. The budget fully funds education and local governments, as well as making investments in important programs that will help Illinois’ communities return to normalcy.

“I am pleased to see our local governments will be fully funded, and roads, infrastructure and local parks will receive their full allotment,” Cullerton said. “Our towns, villages, and counties will have to be flexible to continue to meet the unique needs created by the pandemic.”

The budget includes the annual increase for education from the evidence-based formula, which will help school districts move back to on-campus learning and address the challenges the past year has presented.

To help the state get back to normalcy, Illinois will also receive a substantial amount from the federal American Rescue Plan to go toward small business recovery, community support programs, and the health care sector.

Additionally, the budget fully funds the annual pension payment, pays off loans to the federal government, and reduces the state’s bill backlog.

“It’s been a difficult year, but this budget addresses a lot of the problems that arose over the course of this pandemic,” Cullerton said. “From schools to small businesses, this budget will help communities get back on their feet and allow Illinois to move forward into a fiscally responsible future.”

The budget passed the Senate Tuesday.

SHOREWOOD – Following the Senate’s passage of a budget that honors the state’s commitment to fully funding K-12 education, bolsters unemployment insurance systems, and keeps property tax levels flat, State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood) issued the following statement:

“I am confident the budget we sent to Governor Pritzker is one that puts the immediate needs of Illinoisans first. We accomplished this, in part, by including the full $350 million investment in our children’s success through the evidence-based funding model. As a former educator who worked in the classroom prior to and following the EBF model’s implementation, the difference is stark and I am relieved the program will remain intact.

“In addition, we were able to provide full funding for local government entities, which will result in preventing undue property taxes from further burdening working families after an incredibly difficult year. This budget will serve as a bridge to a brighter, prosperous post-COVID-19 future in Illinois.”

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Melinda Bush (D-Grayslake) released the following statement Tuesday after the passage of the Fiscal Year 2022 budget:

“Following a year of financial turmoil for so many people, businesses, and schools, passing a comprehensive, balanced budget that helps bolster the middle class, encourages economic growth, and increases evidence-based education funding was of utmost importance.

“Despite the effects the pandemic had on the state’s bottom line, we were able to shift our focus to ensure we kept our promise to public schools to increase evidence-based funding and reduce tax burdens on local homeowners.

“The budget passed today is a win for everyone. I look forward to watching the funding from the budget help thousands of Illinoisans get back on their feet.”

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois State Senate unanimously approved a resolution Tuesday in support of a resolution introduced by State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) designating a portion of Illinois Route 1 in Danville as Speaker Joe Cannon Memorial Highway.

“House Joint Resolution 41 tries to honor Danville’s favorite son, Speaker Joe Cannon,” Bennett said. “Joe Cannon is a fascinating person to learn about in our nation’s history… We’re very proud that he’s from Danville, and this resolution would name one of Vermilion County’s highways in honor of our favorite son.”

Joseph Gurney Cannon, born in 1836, served in Congress for nearly five decades as a republican representative from Illinois. Cannon, also known as “Uncle Joe,” held the position of Speaker of the House from 1903-1911.

House Joint Resolution 41 passed the Senate with a vote of 54-0.

SPRINGFIELD – Following the Senate’s passage of a balanced budget, State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) voted to prioritize students.

“This year has been tough on so many people, but especially our students,” Bennett said. “This budget maintains funding for higher education and increases support for need-based tuition assistance programs, offering the University of Illinois and our area community colleges the opportunity to continue providing a world-class education to the next generation.” 

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Ann Gillespie (D-Arlington Heights) released the following statement after the Illinois Senate voted to send the Fiscal Year 2022 budget to the governor:

“This is a responsible budget that prioritizes an equitable recovery for small businesses and working families.

SPRINGFIELD – A resolution sponsored by State Senator Laura Ellman (D-Naperville) which establishes January 17, 2022 as Muhammad Ali Day in the state of Illinois passed the Senate on Monday.

“State commemorative holidays are an opportunity to recognize people who provided an example of what it means to be the best we can be,” Ellman said. “Muhammad Ali deserves this recognition for his achievements, hard-working and courageous, both in and out of the ring.”