Morrison: Budget tackles DCFS problems, prioritizes families

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.

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Collins: Proposed budget is a conduit for equity in the state

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Jacqueline Collins (D-Chicago) issued the following statement Wednesday following Gov. JB Pritzker’s budget proposal address:

“The proposed budget brings meaningful investment in community-based programs that prevent, reduce and interrupt the violence within our neighborhoods. In addition, I am interested in preserving housing stability by working with the governor to address the disparities in home appraisals that continue to contribute to the racial wealth gap.”

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Loughran Cappel: Budget proposal is promising for education

SPRINGFIELD – Following Governor JB Pritzker’s budget address Wednesday, State Senator Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood) is pleased to see the state fully fund K-12 education and provide more funding for need-based higher education grants.

“The pandemic has created many difficulties for families with school-aged children and adults seeking further education,” said Loughran Cappel, vice-chair of the Senate Education Committee. “Now, more than ever, we must support educators and students — and this is a good starting point as we begin the budget process.”

The budget proposal builds upon the state’s promise to allocated money toward the K-12 education evidence-based funding formula, as well as increasing funds for early childhood education, state universities, and career and technical education programs. Loughran Cappel is especially supportive of proposed increases to MAP, or Monetary Award Program funding, which greatly improves access to higher education for low-income students. Under the proposal, more than 24,000 additional students would be able to receive assistance.

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Belt supports governor’s proposal increasing education funding

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Christopher Belt (D-Swansea) released the following statement regarding the governor’s budget address Wednesday afternoon:

“I support Governor Pritzker’s increase in education funding for K-12 students, as well as increasing tuition assistance for higher education, which will allow more students to receive financial aid. As chair of the Senate Education Committee and a former school board member, I have seen how essential it is that we continue to put money into our education system. During my time in the General Assembly, we have seen education funding double allowing all students to flourish.

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