Harper Responds to Pritzker Address, Highlights Work to Build a Stronger Illinois

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Sonya Harper, D-Chicago, released the following statement after Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s State of the State address Wednesday:

“This legislative session will have a tremendous impact on the lives of residents across Chicago and across our state. We have an opportunity and a responsibility to take real action on critically-needed gun control, economic development efforts that will create high-paying jobs and proposals that can lower the high cost of health care and prescription drugs.

“We have to pass a balanced budget that pays down the state’s backlog of bills, but ensures we invest in services that can be overlooked such as domestic violence shelters, breast cancer screenings and senior care. Resources must also be focused on our area schools and teachers, who need our support to deliver the education our children deserve.

“Last year we saw what can happen when we put aside partisan differences and worked together to implement an infrastructure plan that will drive economic growth, create jobs and fix crumbling roads and bridges. We will have to work together again this year to address high property taxes, gun violence and bad actors who have tried to use loopholes through lobbying and their elected positions for self-gain.

“A lot of work remains to make Illinois a better state for every resident who calls it home. I look forward to working on behalf of the people I have the privilege of serving.”