Gordon-Booth Supports Stopgap Measure, Urges Governor and Legislative Leaders to Continue Negotiations

PEORIA, Ill. – State Rep. Jehan Gordon-Booth, D-Peoria, released the following statement after the passage of stop-gap budget bills:

“Today was an important day in Illinois because it shows that Democrats and Republicans can put aside their differences to do what is in the best interest for the people they serve. However, the work that was done today is not enough. We must do more and I am calling on the governor and legislative leaders to continue negotiations.

“The bill that was passed provides a 6 month budget for our colleges, universities and human service providers. The funding ensures that our public universities will open in the fall and provide funding for students were supposed to receive grants from the Monetary Assistance Program last year. Human service providers, which have been under great financial strain, will receive funding for the their programs, which include in-home care for seniors, domestic and sexual abuse counseling, services for children with disabilities and breast cancer screenings. Our seniors, children and most vulnerable citizens will be able to continue to receive the vital services they need.

“Additionally, the budget fully funds local schools for all of Fiscal Year 2017. As legislators continue to discuss a much needed update to our school funding formula, this budget increases funding for districts with the highest poverty. Schools in our communities all benefit from this budget.

“As I said, there is much more work to do to put a final, full year budget in place, create a more equitable school funding formula and pay human services providers for all of their work from the past fiscal year. I am committed to working with all my colleagues to find solutions that will put our communities and state back on the right track.”

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