Olickal Responds to Budget Address, Outlines Priorities

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — State Rep. Kevin Olickal, D-Skokie, released the following statement in response to Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s budget address:

“Today’s address is the first step in crafting a budget that invests in the critical services our communities need most. My colleagues have made great strides in restoring Illinois’ fiscal stability by eliminating the backlog of unpaid bills, shoring up our rainy day fund, and earning our state’s first credit rating upgrades in decades. There is still much to be done to support working and middle class families and uplift underserved communities across the state.

“To best advocate for the needs of our community, I plan on thoroughly reviewing the budget and meeting with local leaders and stakeholders so that our community’s needs and priorities are being met. We must continue to fund key services like education and health care while setting Illinois up for long-term financial success and stability.

“Many tough decisions lie ahead, but I am confident that with continued collaboration and hard work, our future remains bright. I look forward to working in a bipartisan fashion to create a responsible, balanced budget that benefits all Illinoisans.”