Hoffman Calls for Budget That Helps Working Families

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – In response to Governor Bruce Rauner’s budget address on Wednesday, state Rep. Jay Hoffman, D-Swansea, released the following statement:

“As Governor Rauner gave his annual budget address, residents around our community continued to face the consequences of the governor’s inability to compromise and negotiate a responsible budget.

“Personal political agendas have put our state on the wrong course, and it’s time to change direction. We need to set aside partisan talking points, and instead focus on passing a budget that prioritizes our residents and will begin to repair the immense damage that has occurred over the past couple of years.

“While I do advocate for compromise, it can not come at the expense of working families. Our current governor has consistently advocated for policies that would be detrimental to labor and would drive down wages for working families—all to increase the bottom line for millionaire executives.

“Even though I agree with the governor that there is work that we can do to improve the economic climate in Illinois, we need to do it by strengthening and lifting up the middle-class, not destroying it.

“We have the opportunity to come together and craft a spending plan that puts Illinois on a new path. I urge my colleagues and the governor to join me in prioritizing an immediate plan.”