Burke Responds to Budget Address, Advocates for Funding of Essential Services and Pension Payments

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – In response to Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s budget address on Wednesday, state Rep. Kelly Burke, D-Oak Lawn, released the following statement:

“As we begin this year’s budget process, we must recognize the difficult decisions that will need to be made in order to keep moving Illinois forward. It is critical that we work together to pass a bipartisan, balanced budget that reflects our shared values while addressing our state’s financial challenges.  

“I believe that pensions are a promise, and we must pass a budget that continues to make full pension payments while paying down our backlog of bills, easing the burden of property taxes on homeowners and prioritizing the resources our families need most. We must work together to secure funding for health care and senior services, expand access to early childhood education and invest in new job training programs.

“I look forward to working with the governor and both my Democratic and Republican colleagues to provide a plan that continues to build a stronger Illinois that puts our residents first.”