Andrade Begins Second Term: Aims To Resolve Budget Crisis, Find Progressive Solutions

SPRINGFIELD – On Wednesday, state Rep. Jaime Andrade, D-Chicago, was sworn in for his second term in office, with his focus firmly set on passing a full budget with progressive revenue streams that ensure Chicago Public schools receive full funding and working families are protected from extreme agendas.

“It has been an honor and privilege to serve the residents of the 40^th District, and I look forward to continuing to work for my constituents and help solve the problems facing the state,” Andrade said. “Without a doubt, my biggest priority is to work toward passing a full budget that ensures CPS receives the funding students deserve and that protects vital services that working families depend upon.”

Andrade is encouraging the governor and legislators from both sides of the aisle to reconvene bipartisan working groups to negotiate a full budget. The governor’s refusal to restart negotiations for a full budget has led to drastic cuts to higher education and services for working families and the elderly. These cuts have been coupled with an unprecedented increase in the amount of backlog bills owed by the state, which tripled from when Rauner took office to $13.5 billion today.

“By continuing to kick the can down the road with partial budgets, we are doing a great disservice to our communities,” Andrade said. “I will continue to fight for a progressive income tax that requires multi-millionaires to pay their fair share and ensures that our schools and vital social services are funded.”

Andrade plans to continue his push for an elected school board in Chicago. Last year, Andrade backed a proposal that made the Chicago School Board an accountable, elected board. The legislation passed the House, but failed to advance through the Senate.

“School closures, fiscal mismanagement and layoffs are glaring examples of how Chicago’s appointed insider school board has failed our children and neighborhood schools and led to a painful path of program cuts, teacher layoffs and school closures,” Andrade said. “It’s time that Chicago residents have a say in our neighborhood schools, just like families in every other Illinois community already have.”

Andrade’s district office will remain at 3657 N. Kedzie Ave. Office hours are Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. each day.

For more information please contact Andrade’s full-time constituent service office at 773-267-2880 or staterep40@gmail.com.