SPRINGFIELD – State Rep. Lindsey LaPointe, D-Chicago, issued the following statement Wednesday after the governor’s annual budget address:
“This past year has underscored how incredibly important it is for the state of Illinois to invest in basic human services and support our public health infrastructure. The governor’s proposed budget will serve as a valuable starting point as we work to develop a spending plan that prioritizes the needs of essential workers. We must pass a responsible, balanced budget for the coming year that will address the unique difficulties facing so many Illinois families during this devastating pandemic.
“As we look ahead, we must make sure we provide sufficient funding for services that will help people get back on their feet. We need to invest in the Illinois Department of Employment Security, which has faced unprecedented strain the past year. We also must provide appropriate resources for other essential services, including domestic violence shelters, mental health care, and senior programs.
“We are so grateful to our health care workers, teachers and everyone else who has stepped up to help others during this crisis. As we work to make the tough fiscal decisions this budget will require, we must remember our duty to support all of those who have sacrificed so much to get Illinois through this crisis.”
