SPRINGFIELD – In response to Governor JB Pritzker’s budget address today, State Senator Rachel Ventura (D-Joliet) issued the following statement:

“As the Trump Administration continues to sow chaos through the federal government, it is our responsibility as a state to act as a stabilizing force and champion of everyday people and communities. Our residents deserve to thrive, not merely survive.

“I am committed to passing a budget that prioritizes the working class and secures funding for working families in an era of rising costs and devastating federal funding cuts. I was gratified to hear that the governor’s budget proposal includes a significant investment in affordable housing projects and repairs to crumbling health care infrastructure. These are commendable measures to address the want of resources for too many working residents in our state. 

“We must also be prepared to meet the moment we find ourselves in, and safeguard the essential programs that millions of Illinoisans depend on to meet their basic needs. Federal funding cuts have already interrupted or eliminated payments for many vital services and programs, including Medicaid and SNAP.

“Illinois must not allow its citizens to bear the brunt of these devastating funding cuts without relief. Closing corporate tax loopholes for big businesses and investors would bring in much-needed revenue for the state, while also providing vital tax relief for working people. This is why I have joined with other members of the General Assembly to fix our broken tax system.

"A balanced budget cannot come at the expense of the middle class. Instead, we need real tax reform—one that shifts the burden away from working families and ensures the ultra-rich finally pay their fair share.

"In the coming months, I look forward to working with the governor and my colleagues to craft a budget that prioritizes everyday Illinoisans and safeguards essential programs and services from reckless federal spending cuts.”