Slaughter Supports Balanced Budget, Criminal Justice Reform

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Justin Slaughter, D-Chicago, issued the following statement regarding the Illinois House of Representatives’ spring legislative session:

“As we continue to return to normalcy and recover from the human and financial tolls inflicted by the COVID-19 pandemic, I am proud to say that we were able to pass a balanced budget that ensures that the needs of our hardest hit communities are met. We did this by investing in our children, small businesses, health care, education, and public safety. These are the critical services that our communities depend on every day.

“Working with my colleagues in the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus, we were able to pass much needed legislation that addressed inequity in health care, economic opportunity and the education system. With the support of my colleagues, I worked to pass a comprehensive criminal justice reform bill that will end cash bail, prison gerrymandering and that requires police officers to wear body cameras.

“The Black Caucus also successfully fought to advance equity in the cannabis industry by providing resources to promote diversity and inclusion in this new sector of our economy. We made an investment in our commitment to democracy by modernizing our elections and strengthening voting rights. Illinois also recognized the importance of Juneteenth, a day celebrating the demise of slavery in America, by making it a state holiday.

“Although there is still more work to do , I am proud of what was accomplished this year in Springfield. I look forward to continuing to fight on behalf of our community and the hardworking families throughout the state to build a stronger Illinois.”