SHOREWOOD – Following the Senate’s passage of a budget that honors the state’s commitment to fully funding K-12 education, bolsters unemployment insurance systems, and keeps property tax levels flat, State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood) issued the following statement:

“I am confident the budget we sent to Governor Pritzker is one that puts the immediate needs of Illinoisans first. We accomplished this, in part, by including the full $350 million investment in our children’s success through the evidence-based funding model. As a former educator who worked in the classroom prior to and following the EBF model’s implementation, the difference is stark and I am relieved the program will remain intact.

“In addition, we were able to provide full funding for local government entities, which will result in preventing undue property taxes from further burdening working families after an incredibly difficult year. This budget will serve as a bridge to a brighter, prosperous post-COVID-19 future in Illinois.”

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Melinda Bush (D-Grayslake) released the following statement Tuesday after the passage of the Fiscal Year 2022 budget:

“Following a year of financial turmoil for so many people, businesses, and schools, passing a comprehensive, balanced budget that helps bolster the middle class, encourages economic growth, and increases evidence-based education funding was of utmost importance.

“Despite the effects the pandemic had on the state’s bottom line, we were able to shift our focus to ensure we kept our promise to public schools to increase evidence-based funding and reduce tax burdens on local homeowners.

“The budget passed today is a win for everyone. I look forward to watching the funding from the budget help thousands of Illinoisans get back on their feet.”

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois State Senate unanimously approved a resolution Tuesday in support of a resolution introduced by State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) designating a portion of Illinois Route 1 in Danville as Speaker Joe Cannon Memorial Highway.

“House Joint Resolution 41 tries to honor Danville’s favorite son, Speaker Joe Cannon,” Bennett said. “Joe Cannon is a fascinating person to learn about in our nation’s history… We’re very proud that he’s from Danville, and this resolution would name one of Vermilion County’s highways in honor of our favorite son.”

Joseph Gurney Cannon, born in 1836, served in Congress for nearly five decades as a republican representative from Illinois. Cannon, also known as “Uncle Joe,” held the position of Speaker of the House from 1903-1911.

House Joint Resolution 41 passed the Senate with a vote of 54-0.

SPRINGFIELD – Following the Senate’s passage of a balanced budget, State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) voted to prioritize students.

“This year has been tough on so many people, but especially our students,” Bennett said. “This budget maintains funding for higher education and increases support for need-based tuition assistance programs, offering the University of Illinois and our area community colleges the opportunity to continue providing a world-class education to the next generation.” 

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Ann Gillespie (D-Arlington Heights) released the following statement after the Illinois Senate voted to send the Fiscal Year 2022 budget to the governor:

“This is a responsible budget that prioritizes an equitable recovery for small businesses and working families.

SPRINGFIELD – A resolution sponsored by State Senator Laura Ellman (D-Naperville) which establishes January 17, 2022 as Muhammad Ali Day in the state of Illinois passed the Senate on Monday.

“State commemorative holidays are an opportunity to recognize people who provided an example of what it means to be the best we can be,” Ellman said. “Muhammad Ali deserves this recognition for his achievements, hard-working and courageous, both in and out of the ring.”

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Patricia Van Pelt (D-Chicago) issued the following statement in response to the Senate’s passage of the Fiscal Year 2022 budget:

“I am happy to have voted for a plan that is balanced, and that accounts for the complexity of Illinois’ fiscal situation reeling from the pandemic.

“The programs that people depend on will not face painful cuts, keeping them reliable during an increased time of need. Keeping people healthy and rebuilding a strong economy is essential moving forward. I am glad this budget prioritized public health response, emergency response, and mental and behavioral health.

 “Furthermore, continuing the Black Caucus’ agenda to eradicate systemic racism is deeply necessary. It is crucial that the reforms my colleagues and I voted to pass have adequate funding, so that equity is at the forefront of all state structures. This budget does that.

“I’m confident the budget passed today will revitalize our state as we recover from the COVID-19 pandemic and the crisis of systemic racism.”

SPRINGFIELD – The last veteran to earn the Medal of Honor during World War II should be afforded a state funeral and the option to lie in state in the rotunda of the United States Capitol, State Senator Doris Turner said, and successfully passed a resolution through the Illinois Senate Tuesday to urge President Joseph Biden and Congress to make it so.

“I come from a long line of military veterans,” said Turner. “My father and many of my uncles served in World War II, and were among those we have recognized as the Greatest Generation. It’s such an honor to carry this resolution and I am pleased at its adoption.”