Rep. Thaddeus Jones Responds to Budget Address, Advocates Unemployment Reform, Strengthening Public Health

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Thaddeus Jones, D-Calumet City, responded to Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s budget proposal on Wednesday, calling for unemployment insurance reform and better health care access:

“While I am heartened to see that the governor is taking our state’s challenges seriously, the reality is his proposal is only a starting point. If our communities are going to recover from the impact of the coronavirus, it is absolutely essential that we reform Illinois’ unemployment system. Out of work families are not getting the money they desperately need and that compounds the already devastating effects of COVID-19.

“Now more than ever, it is clear that we must make health care more affordable. All Illinoisans deserve high-quality health care, regardless of their income levels. Health care is a human right, and I will fight for a budget that secures that right. I’m looking forward to working with my colleagues to craft a fair, responsible and balanced budget.”