Greenwood: State Budget Prioritizes COVID-19 Relief Efforts during Pandemic

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. –State Rep. LaToya Greenwood, D-East St. Louis, released the following statement upon the General Assembly’s adjournment this week:

“Above all else, I think we all share a newfound respect and appreciation for our frontline workers who have consistently risen to the occasion since this pandemic began. I am thankful for the selfless contributions by our nurses, doctors, first responders, public health professionals and other essential workers who have taken on great risks and responsibilities to ensure we can carry on during this unprecedented time.

“With that in mind, it was critical that we pass a responsible budget that invests in critical services and resources needed by our first responders, while also increasing funding for Medicaid, unemployment, public health care and other areas that have been impacted by COVID-19.

“Additional increases will help our senior care services, domestic violence shelters and homeless prevention, while more than $400 million in new funding will go toward COVID-19 testing and local public health efforts. This spending plan keeps our promise to fund pensions, and maintains our commitment to education from early childhood through college.

“Due to the uncertainty surrounding this health and economic crisis, state agencies and the governor will have additional flexibility, with legislative oversight, to spend allocated dollars as best as possible in the coming months.

“There is no question that new challenges will arise, and I am ready to work with local residents, stakeholders and lawmakers to make sure we are responsive and take action as needed.”