Edly-Allen Highlights Government Reforms, Responsible Budgeting in First Legislative Session

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – In her first legislative session, state Rep. Mary Edly-Allen, D-Libertyville, demonstrated her commitment to working families and supporting a stronger middle class.

Edly-Allen supported a balanced, bipartisan budget that controls spending, meets the state’s full pension obligation, pays down over a billion dollars in unpaid bills, and provides $375 million in new funding for education to invest in our children and help ease the property tax burden placed on local homeowners.

“The fiscal instability over the last four years will take decades to repair, but passing a balanced, responsible budget is a first step,” said Edly-Allen. “This budget will control state spending while allowing us to pay down old unpaid bills and making our full obligated pension payment. We will continue to work towards a responsible long-term budget plan to help put Illinois’ fiscal health back on the right track.”

To train skilled workers and grow the local economy, Edly-Allen supported legislation backed by leading business groups creating the 21st Century Employment Grant Program to encourage public-private partnerships and job training programs aimed at preparing workers for $35-per-hour or more jobs. Edly-Allen also supported Senate Bill 1591 to expand tax credits to ensure high school students are presented with all post-secondary and career options. She introduced and passed House Bill 3652, which requires school counselors to provide students with comprehensive information on all career and technical education options. Bill passed unanimously due to Mary’s ability to work across the aisle.

“Our economy depends on a skilled workforce that is diverse, educated and ever-evolving,” said Edly-Allen. “Local companies tell me they are eager and ready to hire and expand their operations, but they struggle to find the skilled workers that they need. Meaningful investments in job training, starting with educating high school students about their post-secondary options is a step in growing the local economy and putting people to work in high paying jobs.”

To provide tax relief to the middle class, Edly-Allen supported a fair income tax proposal that provides tax relief to 97% of taxpayers. Edly-Allen’s plan ensures that millionaires and billionaires pay their fair share, while generating additional resources for schools, universities, hospitals, and local service providers that serve seniors, children with disabilities and survivors of domestic violence.

During the Legislature’s summer recess, Edly-Allen will visit 17 towns in 17 days and continue meeting with her local Citizens’ Advisory Committees, hosting free community events and seminars, and hosting meet and greet sessions with local residents.