Pacione-Zayas, Turner support strong proposal for early education investments
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SPRINGFIELD – State Senators Cristina Pacione-Zayas and Doris Turner stood in support of the governor’s proposed budget that would make a strong investment in early childhood education at a press conference on Thursday.
“I am pleased to join Governor Pritzker in leading Illinois to be the best state to raise young children. Together with my colleagues in the General Assembly we will make historic investments to optimize early childhood development, support families, and bolster early childhood professionals,” said Pacione-Zayas (D-Chicago). “Delivering this message directly to providers and families will be crucial for gaining support to advance the proposal to victory.”
The proposal would put a total of $250 million toward a new program – SMART Start Illinois – a multi-year program to provide investments in preparing children to be lifelong learners. The plan laid out Wednesday included a $75 million investment for the Illinois State Board of Education’s Early Childhood Block Grant to increase preschool availability and provide every Illinois child with access to a preschool spot if they want one.
Read more: Pacione-Zayas, Turner support strong proposal for early education investments
Black Caucus outlines vision for upcoming session
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SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Legislative Black Caucus announced they will focus on passing a balanced budget that uplifts low-income and working families and enhances classroom and early childhood education.
“The governor’s proposed budget showcases a continual dedication to fund programs that promote public safety and equity for all Illinois residents,” said State Senator Robert Peters (D-Chicago). “A budget proposal that contains investments in schools, small businesses, working families and our environment reframes key investments that have traditionally left out Black and Brown communities and is a step toward progress.”
After Governor JB Pritzker outlined his legislative priorities, the Black Caucus highlighted the importance of putting the voices and needs of Illinois’ Black communities at the forefront of upcoming budget negotiations.
Read more: Black Caucus outlines vision for upcoming session
Illinois Legislative Latino Caucus reacts to governor’s budget address
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SPRINGFIELD – Members of the Illinois Legislative Latino Caucus expressed support for a number of proposals outlined in the governor’s budget address Wednesday.
“We need a budget that addresses the lack of immigration rights, health and education equity, economic justice for workers, and proper representation for Latino communities,” said joint Latino Caucus Chair Celina Villanueva (D-Chicago). “One of our top priorities in this year’s budget is to ensure that equitable opportunities are created for Latino communities in Illinois to live a healthy and sustainable life.”
Latino Caucus members were pleased to hear the governor commitment to increasing education and health equity. The governor is proposing a $350 million investment to HOME Illinois, a program through the Department of Human Services that targets the prevention of homelessness, provides crisis response, expands housing support and increases job opportunities for the homeless. To ensure equity in education, the proposed budget would continue the $350 million increase toward the evidence based funding model for k-12 education.
Read more: Illinois Legislative Latino Caucus reacts to governor’s budget address
Villa fights to make diapers more attainable
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SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Karina Villa attended a press conference with Representative Lakeisha Collins and Children’s Home & Aid regarding legislation that will provide a monthly diaper allowance for families who meet certain income thresholds.
“It is important to bring awareness to the diaper need within our communities,” said Villa (D- West Chicago). “Diapers are an essential household item for new parents, and while approximately 1 in 3 parents experience diaper need, caregivers in poverty are unable to purchase diapers with their SNAP or WIC benefits. I want to pass legislation that will address this gap.”
On average, 12 diapers are needed per day for infants and toddlers, which can add up to $80-100 spent per month on diapers. With inflation and the increasing cost of basic goods, diaper prices will weigh even heavier on struggling families. A diaper allowance will put money in the pockets of low-income families struggling to pay their bills.
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