Black Caucus reacts to Governor’s budget Address

CHICAGO — Illinois Legislative Black Caucus members expressed considerable support, for Gov. JB Pritzker’s proposed budget Wednesday following Pritzker’s annual budget address.

“It’s clear that we need a budget that addresses the lack of access to health care, affordable housing, economic development and high quality education in Black communities,” said Joint Black Caucus Chair Sonya M. Harper (D-Chicago). “One of our top priorities in this budget making process is to ensure our most vulnerable communities and services are protected.”

 The Black caucus also outlined their legislative priorities for 2022 during their “State of Black Illinois Address.”

Among the group address, some members praised Pritzker for his commitment to what he called the ‘Illinois Family Relief Plan’ which provides tax and fee relief for working families, increases public safety efforts and provides additional funding for Illinois schools, hospitals and human services.

Read more: Black Caucus reacts to Governor’s budget Address

Villanueva fights to increase worker protections

SPRINGFIELD –State Senator Celina Villanueva (D-Chicago) argued for stronger penalties against employers in violation of the One Day Rest in Seven Act by introducing Senate Bill 3146 in the Senate Labor Committee Wednesday.

“The One Day Rest in Seven Act is one of many invaluable protections for workers in the state,” Villanueva said. “We have to make sure the expectations of employers everywhere are standard at all levels of operation.”

Read more: Villanueva fights to increase worker protections

Simmons speaks on proposed budget

SPRINGFIELD – Gov. JB Pritzker gave his annual Budget and State of the State addresses Wednesday, after which State Senator Mike Simmons (D-Chicago) issued the following statement:

“I am pleased to see that this budget proposal recommends $70 million in appropriations for the new 9-8-8 hotline crisis response services for our neighbors who are living with chronic mental health challenges. This is one piece of a larger set of systemic changes that must take place soon to address the unprecedented toll on mental health caused in part by the pandemic and by chronic economic injustice and violence.”

Read more: Simmons speaks on proposed budget

Turner champions measure to bring greater health care to rural Illinois

SPRINGFIELD – To close the health care gap for people living in rural parts of the state, State Senator Doris Turner (D-Springfield) is championing a measure to provide financial incentives to physicians who perform medical services in rural areas.

“Advancing this bill will mean that people across the state will have more attainable access high quality health care,” said Turner. “We must work to restore access to quality and abundant care in rural Illinois.”

Read more: Turner champions measure to bring greater health care to rural Illinois