Hoffman Backs Responsible Budget Plan that Prioritizes Public Safety, Schools and Essential Services Families Rely On

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Underscoring his commitment to support working families, state Rep. Jay Hoffman, D-Swansea, supported a balanced state budget plan Saturday that makes critical investments in public safety, education and services residents depend on.
“This year’s budget is another responsible step forward that respects taxpayers, invests in critical services and prepares us to tackle future challenges,” Hoffman said. “By being good stewards with our state spending in recent years, we’ve eliminated billions in old bills, secured multiple credit rating upgrades and created greater flexibility to address our most pressing issues – such as prioritizing investment in public safety and education.”
The budget plan Hoffman supported includes $350 million more for schools, as well as multi-million increases for childcare, early childhood education and higher education grants that help more students pursue a degree. Public safety is prioritized, including a $100 million investment for first responders. On top of the state’s statutory obligation for pensions, another $200 million is being directed to the pension system to provide greater long-term stability.
This session Hoffman stood with first responders, leading the effort (House Bill 3162) to ensure that all police and firefighters who were harmed by COVID-19 in the early days of the pandemic prior to vaccines receive the appropriate benefits they deserve.
As part of local economic development efforts, he also passed legislation (House Bill 1131) that would add Monroe County to the Southwest Illinois Development Authority (SWIDA).
Hoffman also led a plan (House Bill 219) that would enable punitive damages in cases of wrongful death actions, expanding current law and helping families receive the justice they deserve.
“More work remains, and I look forward to returning home and engaging residents on the issues they are facing,” Hoffman said. “I’m optimistic that we can continue to build on this progress as we work together to create a stronger Illinois that offers greater opportunity for everyone.”
For more information, please contact RepJayHoffman@gmail.com.