Ammons Highlights Need for Further Action on Health Care, Education and Jobs

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Carol Ammons, D-Urbana, released the following statement after Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s State of the State address on Wednesday:

“As we take this opportunity to reflect on the progress our state has made over the past year to improve access to fundamental services like health care, education and job training, we must also acknowledge that more work remains to truly build a stronger Illinois that works for each and every resident.

“I am encouraged by the governor’s efforts to transform Illinois’ tax structure from an unfair system into one that requires millionaires and billionaires to pay their fair share, while providing tax relief for the vast majority of families who work hard to get by. To further empower families financially, we also invested in new job training programs that equip workers with in-demand skills, setting them up for success in high-wage careers.

“As soaring health care costs continue to jeopardize families’ physical and financial health, we took action to expand health care coverage for pre-existing conditions and cap the price of life-saving prescription drugs.

“It is reforms like these that are necessary to build a stronger Illinois. After many years of crisis, we are finally moving in the right direction, but our work is nowhere near complete. This session my focus remains on the needs of my community, and I look forward to continuing our efforts to expand educational and vocational training services and to make health care more affordable.”