SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest) released the following statement after attending Governor Pritzker’s budget address:

“For the past few years, Illinois has successfully dodged a post-pandemic recession. Today’s budget address shows promise for maintaining financial stability and certainty by taking necessary precautions to ensure the future of our state and economy. Residents in our community expect us to make responsible decisions, the same way they make responsible decisions with their own budgets.

“While changes in spending may be appropriate, I call on Governor Pritzker and my colleagues to protect funding for the environment and infrastructure. We’ve made progress on our climate goals here in Illinois, but there is always more work to be done.

“A major focus of mine is to serve children living with disabilities. I was happy to see in the proposed budget a $116 million increase for these services, which includes expediting 630 children with disabilities from waiting lists into direct services. This community deserves more — our friends and neighbors are counting on additional investment in order to live with dignity. 

“It’s no secret that portions of the northern suburbs have some of the highest property taxes in the state. I will continue to advocate for more state funding to our public schools to lessen the burden on property taxes. I saw many positive things pertaining to funding for teachers and early education literacy programs. This will help to set our children up for success and protect the people who dedicate their lives to education.

“In the months to come, I look forward to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to negotiate the details of a responsible spending plan that will boost our state and local economy.”

Click here for a video response to the Governor's budget.