Walsh Works to Pass Bi-Partisan Budget that Funds Social Services and Helps Middle Class

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Larry Walsh, Jr., D-Elwood, released the following statement regarding the passage of the state budget for the upcoming fiscal year:

“For two years, hard-working Illinoisans were unable to receive essential services that they depend upon every day because the governor consistently pushed an agenda to bust our unions and weaken the middle-class. Last year, when Democrats and Republicans came together to pass a budget and override the governor’s veto, we demonstrated to the governor that we will not tolerate political games that do nothing but put the lives of our citizens in jeopardy.

“Coming into this legislative session, there were many questions as to whether or not the General Assembly would continue to work in a bi-partisan fashion to implement a balanced budget. That is why I am pleased that we were able to work together to put the needs of the state ahead of political games.

“The governor’s budget impasse did serious damage to the financial health of the state, and there is still a lot of work that needs to be done to pay down our bills and bring back the social services that were forced to shut their doors due to the lack of funding. That being said, by working together and preventing the state from heading into another impasse, we can continue to focus on how we are going to repair that damage.

“I am always ready to work in good faith with all sides in an effort to help hard-working families in Illinois. The work we accomplished this year was a step in the right direction, and I hope that the governor will respect the strong, bi-partisan effort that went into this budget and sign it into law.”