Blair-Sherlock Responds to Governor’s State of the State, Emphasizes Need to Support Issues Facing Families

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Diane Blair-Sherlock, D-Villa Park, issued the following statement Wednesday after Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s annual State of the State and Budget Address:

“I look forward to reviewing the governor’s budget proposal as we work to develop a responsible budget the understands the concerns facing families throughout our community.

“While I am encouraged that our state has better credit ratings, eliminated a lot of bad debt and has paid even more into the pensions than mandated, there is still a lot of work still ahead. We must continue to take a balanced financial approach that enables us to better invest in education, public safety and critical services that residents depend on – including health care, senior programs, and economic efforts that support small businesses.

“Our budget should reflect our values as a state, and as other parts of the country take aim at reproductive freedoms it’s important that we include support for reproductive health access.

“Investment in early childhood and education will result in continuing benefits to our state by developing a competitive workforce to attract and sustain economic development.  We must be cognizant that not every investment will produce instant results and that we must plan for the long term well-being of our state. 

“Today marks the beginning of our budget process, and I look forward to engaging with local residents and stakeholders on crafting a final plan that helps our area families with the challenges they face every day.”