Peters sees strong support for Reimagine Public Safety Act in proposed budget

SPRINGFIELD – Gov. JB Pritzker gave his annual budget and state of the state addresses this morning, after which State Senator Robert Peters (D-Chicago) issued the following statement:

“This budget is at a good place, and considering the circumstances, it reflects a more optimistic outlook than where we were a year ago. The budget proposal certainly takes into account the improved circumstances of our state’s economic and fiscal situations, and it’s a good place to begin the process of drafting our first budget that puts us on the road to economic recovery during this pandemic. It continues the work of cleaning up the mess that we, the Democrats, were left with after the disasters of the previous administration. This is going to show Illinoisans that we are good fiscal stewards, that we’re not only taking care of their money they entrust us with, but also that we are making real investments in uplifting all of our communities across the state-that we are building a state for the many and not the few.”

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Hastings: We must remain cognizant

SPRINGFIELD - State Senator Michael E. Hastings (D-Frankfort) offered the following statement in response to Governor JB Pritzker’s proposed state budget for the upcoming fiscal year.

“This is a good starting point as we start budget negotiations,” Hastings said. “It is crucial that we remember to be cognizant of the recent federal assistance we received while crafting this year’s budget and use this time to prepare for when this assistance is no longer available.”

The budget proposal builds upon the state’s promise to allocate money toward the K-12 education evidence-based funding formula, and it increases funds for early childhood education, state universities, and career and technical education programs.

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Bennett reacts to responsible budget proposal that prioritizes students and families

SPRINGFIELD – Following Gov. JB Prtizker’s Budget Address Wednesday, State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) expressed his support of the governor’s plans to prioritize students, workers and families. 

“As we continue our recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, the needs of our colleges and universities must be met,” Bennett said. “The governor’s proposal makes some important commitments to help alleviate the struggle many families face when considering sending their children off to college.”

The governor’s proposal increases funding from $122 million to $601 million for the Monetary Award Program (MAP), which provides financial assistance to Illinois residents who attend approved Illinois colleges. This will help ensure current recipients will continue to qualify and at least 24,000 more students will have access to academic opportunities.

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Feigenholtz: Budget proposal pays down debt, invests in our most vulnerable

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Sara Feigenholtz (D-Chicago) released the following statement regarding the governor’s budget address Wednesday afternoon:

“Today's budget address is historic in so many ways. It provides an additional $500 million to pay down future pension debt, saving $1.8 billion in interest costs through 2045 and continuing our efforts to put Illinois on a path toward greater fiscal responsibility.

“In addition, Gov. Pritzker is prioritizing public safety. Investing in our communities is vital to reducing crime and keeping our neighborhoods safe.  The budget provides increased funding for cadet classes for Illinois State Police and the technology and tools needed to do their job. In addition, the budget allocates $240 million in gun violence prevention.

Read more: Feigenholtz: Budget proposal pays down debt, invests in our most vulnerable