SPRINGFIELD – Following the governor’s annual budget address, the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring the final state budget delivers meaningful investments in Black communities across Illinois.

The proposal outlines continued support for early childhood education, K-12 evidence-based funding, need-based financial aid, affordable housing initiatives, comprehensive investments to prevent homelessness, health care access, workforce development and public safety efforts. While caucus members acknowledged these as important foundations, they emphasized that the proposal marks the beginning of negotiations — not the final outcome.

“As Senate Joint Chair of the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus, I know our communities cannot afford uncertainty at any level of government,” said State Senator Lakesia Collins (D-Chicago). “With federal threats creating instability around health care, food assistance and social services, Illinois must remain steady and proactive. We have a responsibility to craft a final budget that protects our most vulnerable residents, invests in early childhood and education and strengthens economic opportunities in neighborhoods that have been historically disinvested.”

Members of the caucus also raised concerns about ongoing federal instability and threats to withhold critical funding that supports Medicaid, SNAP and other essential services relied upon by vulnerable families.

“Proposals set the tone, but budgets set the priorities,” said State Senator Willie Preston (D-Chicago), Illinois Legislative Black Caucus Senate Chair. “We appreciate the continued investments in education, housing stability and health care, but we must ensure the final budget intentionally closes the persistent gaps facing Black families. That means fully funding workforce development, expanding pathways to economic mobility, strengthening violence prevention efforts and ensuring housing initiatives like Home Illinois truly reach the communities most impacted.”

Despite progress in recent years, disparities in wealth, health outcomes, public safety and educational access persist. Caucus leaders emphasized that equity must remain central through the budget process.

In the weeks ahead, the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus will work collaboratively to advocate for a responsible, balanced budget that reflects the lived realities of Black communities and safeguards essential services amid federal uncertainty.