Rep. Rashid Applauds Responsible Budget That Prioritizes Working Families

BERWYN, Ill. – State Rep. Abdelnasser Rashid, D-Bridgeview, released the following statement after helping to pass a state budget that continues to rebuild Illinois’ fiscal house:

“I was proud to work with my colleagues to craft a responsible, balanced budget that prioritizes economic security, increases investment in education, and ensures access to healthcare.

The budget makes critical investments in our youth’s future with funding for early childhood education, K-12 schools, and our community colleges and universities. I am proud that we are addressing the educator shortage and supporting students by creating a teacher pipeline with a $45 million investment in a program to fill teacher vacancies. Our additional investments in MAP funding will ensure anyone at or below the median income can attend community college for free.

The strides we are making to fund education will help us rely less on property taxes to fund our schools. But there is much more to do to reduce property taxes and I look forward to continuing my work with my colleagues on this critical issue.

As a member of the budget committee for Health & Human Services, I worked to bolster investments in healthcare, childcare, and affordable housing. This includes a $250 million investment in Smart Start Illinois, which will provide record investments in childcare and early childhood education.

This budget also continues Illinois’ path to fiscal strength. By paying off debt, increasing pension payments, and shoring up our Rainy Day Fund, we are improving our state’s financial footing.

I am grateful to the Governor and budgeteers for working in a bipartisan manner to pass a budget that prioritizes the needs of Illinois families.”