Walker Backs Responsible State Budget, Emphasizes Importance of Supporting Small Business

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Mark Walker, D-Arlington Heights, issued the following statement Tuesday at the conclusion of the General Assembly’s spring session:

“As we move on from the pandemic, it’s important that we work to spur job creation and build a stronger Illinois that leaves nobody behind. Today’s budget passage reflects the need to invest in our health care system, schools and essential services that our seniors and most vulnerable depend on.

“This has been a tough and challenging year for families, teachers, health care workers and everyone else who has been personally impacted by the pandemic, and we remain focused on doing what we can to help with the recovery.

“Of particular importance, we must listen to small business owners who have faced unprecedented challenges over the past 18 months. It will take time to recover economically, and we need to continue to provide employers with the resources and lifelines they need to stay open. I’m appreciative of the work that the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity has conducted throughout this pandemic, and look forward to doing what I can to continue supporting their mission.

“The rollout of vaccines has enabled us to bring the pandemic under more control each day, but uncertainty still remains. The General Assembly must be flexible in its ongoing response to the pandemic, and I remain ready to partner with local advocates, small business owners and officials to meet our immediate and long-term challenges.”