SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Laura Ellman (D-Naperville) released the following statement after the Governor’s budget address:

“For seven fiscal years, Illinois has met its financial commitments and funded its priorities to serve Illinoisans and safeguard the future. This year we cannot count on federal tax dollars. We still need to meet our commitments and fund Illinoisans’ priorities.”

“As we navigate ongoing economic uncertainty, it is critical that we focus on affordability. A major priority of mine is to focus on the cost of living for families across District 21 and the entire state.

“The market has not responded to demand and price signals in electricity and housing. I was encouraged to hear the governor address root causes to make housing and energy more affordable for my district and across the state. This includes housing affordability and accessibility, which the governor mentioned during the address, is a legislative priority of mine, expediting housing permits by having a third party review.

“At a time when federal support is becoming less reliable including a $270 million cut in federal environmental funding, Illinois must lead in safeguarding our drinking water and protecting public health. I am especially pleased to see continued investments in environmental protection, including efforts to strengthen PFAS detection and response. These proactive measures will help ensure our communities are not left vulnerable to harmful contaminants and builds on the legislative work I have committed myself to.

“This budget demonstrates that we can remain fiscally responsible while still making meaningful investments in the health, safety and affordability of our communities. Our state has always prioritized funding the programs that our most vulnerable depend on, and this budget continues to fulfill those moral obligations.

“I look forward to working with the governor and my colleagues in the coming months to build on this proposal and deliver results for Illinois families.”