Illinois Senate Democrats react to governor’s budget proposal

SPRINGFIELD — Democratic members of the Illinois Senate reacted to Governor JB Prtizker’s budget proposal Wednesday, acknowledging he has been faced with unprecedented challenges but hoping for stability and predictability.

Illinois Senate President Don Harmon (D-Oak Park) said the governor’s proposal is a good-faith effort to both recognize our state’s financial realities and honor our commitments and priorities.

“Coming out of this pandemic, we need to get people back to work. Our first priority with any tax incentive needs to be jobs for hardworking Illinoisans,” Harmon said. “So, I think it’s fair to ask what the hardworking taxpayers of Illinois are getting in return for these corporate tax breaks. It’s entirely appropriate to put some of these incentives under the microscope to see what works and get rid of what doesn’t. Senate Democrats, however, are always interested in finding resources for education. I suspect this year will be no different.”

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Black Caucus: Governor’s proposal sets Illinois back on track toward supporting disadvantaged communities

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Legislative Black Caucus called a press conference Wednesday to offer their responses to Gov. JB Pritzker’s annual budget address.

Black Caucus leaders addressed the parts of the governor’s budget proposal relating to the ILBC’s four-pillar legislative agenda aiming to rid Illinois of systemic racism, improve academic opportunities for low-income and minority students, foster economic development in communities of color, and increase investments in minority-owned businesses and disadvantaged communities.

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President Harmon statement on Gov. JB Pritzker’s budget address

SPRINGFIELD – Senate President Don Harmon (D-Oak Park) issued the following statement on Gov. JB Pritzker’s proposed budget:

“This proposal is a good-faith effort by the governor to both recognize our state’s financial realities and honor our commitments and priorities.

“Coming out of this pandemic, we need to get people back to work. Our first priority with any tax incentive needs to be jobs for hardworking Illinoisans.

“So, I think it’s fair to ask what the hardworking taxpayers of Illinois are getting in return for these corporate tax breaks. It’s entirely appropriate to put some of these incentives under the microscope to see what works and get rid of what doesn’t.

“Senate Democrats, however, are always interested in finding resources for education. I suspect this year will be no different.”

Cappel, Connor urge motorists to drive safely, follow Scott’s Law

Hazardous road conditions cause spike in roadside crashes

WILL COUNTY – To help keep first responders safe while they assist motorists on the side of the road, State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel (D-Plainfield) and State Senator John Connor (D-Lockport) are reminding residents to reduce speed, switch lanes if possible and drive cautiously when emergency lights are visible.

"Scott's Law means move over for emergency vehicles, which is especially important with the winter weather conditions we're currently experiencing," Loughran Cappel said. "I am grateful the trooper involved in the accident in Will County has been released with non-life-threatening injuries, and I urge drivers to move over and drive slowly when passing emergency vehicles to prevent further tragedy."

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