SPRINGFIELD – In response to Governor JB Pritzker’s budget and State of the State address Wednesday, State Senator Karina Villa (D-West Chicago) issued the following statement:
“The unpredictability of available federal funding underscores the importance of putting marginalized communities at the forefront of secure investments. It is important that we maintain critical investments our working-class communities rely on.
“I am pleased to see this proposal include funding for evidence-based funding for K-12 and MAP grants, which are essential to address the inequities faced by students of color from working-class backgrounds. Additionally, we must reaffirm our commitment to ensuring that all students, regardless of their or their parents’ immigration status, have access to quality education.
“During a time when uncertainties pose a threat to vulnerable populations across the state, our budget should reflect the importance of protecting these groups and ensuring that critical needs are protected, especially health care programs that provide services to immigrant adults.
“Even when our state’s economy is doing well, our most vulnerable still struggle. Systemic change is necessary to ensure that our communities benefit equitably from investments and reap the benefits of their tax revenue into our state.
“Hardworking families should not fear the grave financial uncertainty from the federal government that is attacking their pocketbooks. It is far past the time for us to take a stand and fight to bring relief to working- and middle-class Illinoisans, and ensure millionaires pay their fair share.
“In the coming months, it is my commitment to ensure that negotiations center hardworking people who are the driving force of our state’s economy.”
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