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.

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.

SPRINGFIELD – Following the governor’s budget address Wednesday, State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs) issued the following statement:

“Appropriating higher funding for public education, local governments and public safety initiatives offers relief for many of the burdens exacerbated by the pandemic. Fiscal responsibility is key, and I look forward to negotiations.”

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines) offered the following statement after the governor released his proposed Fiscal Year ’23 budget. 

“Working families across the state are facing grave financial struggles due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, high property taxes and the recent bout of inflation. The governor’s proposed budget outlines much needed relief for those who have long felt unnoticed.

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SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Ram Villivalam (D-Chicago) and State Representative Bob Morgan (D-Deerfield) lauded the inclusion of $20 million for the Nonprofit Security Grant Program in this year’s proposed state budget.

“Our communities face unprecedented levels of discrimination,” Villivalam said. “Keeping our neighbors safe from hate-motivated harm is a top priority, and I am glad to see that reflected in this year’s proposed budget.”

The Nonprofit Security Grant Program was created in 2017 but has yet to be funded through the Illinois Emergency Management Agency. The program is designed to assist nonprofit organizations with purchasing security enhancements, such as cameras, bulletproof glass and reinforced doors; offering safety training to staff; and, under certain circumstances, hiring or contracting security professionals.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) released the following statement regarding the governor’s proposed budget:

“As our communities, working families and small businesses continue to face grave financial struggles brought forth by the ongoing pandemic, it is vital we provide them with tax relief. This budget does just that — by ensuring families are taken care of, while continuing to fully fund our K-12 education system and other important items to help our state thrive.”

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Steve Landek (D-Bridgeview) provided the following statement after hearing the governor’s budget address Wednesday:

“This is a fiscally responsible budget plan that provides relief to working families and local governments alike. The COVID-19 pandemic brought forth two years of unfathomable financial hardships for people of all walks of life, and this budget recognizes that.”

SPRINGFIELD – Following Gov. JB Pritzker’s annual budget address, State Senator Ann Gillespie (D-Arlington Heights) issued the following statement:

“This proposal makes critical investments in working families, public safety and home health care providers all while meeting our full pension commitment.

“The governor’s Family Relief Plan will save taxpayers an estimated $1 billion by freezing taxes on essentials like gas and groceries, offering property tax rebates to working families and other relief.

“Public safety initiatives were more than tripled in funding and make the largest single investment in our partners in law enforcement for officer training. The proposal builds on the public safety reforms we passed last year and will help create safer communities across Illinois.