Du Buclet Passes Balanced Budget That Prioritizes Economic Development, Environment

CHICAGO — After being in office for only a few weeks, state Rep. Kimberly du Buclet, D-Chicago, helped pass a balanced, responsible budget that rebuilds Illinois’ fiscal house while still investing in critical environmental services and economic development.

“My top priority as a state representative is to advocate for the best interest of our community. I used my experience with the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District to push for a budget that invests in environmental protection measures to keep our families safe and healthy,” du Buclet said. “At the same, we prioritized smart spending decisions and analyzed the budget line-by-line to create a fiscally and socially responsible document that helps our communities develop economically while still supporting critical services.”

The Du Buclet-backed fiscal year 2024 budget makes significant investments in air and land pollution control, clean water activities, recycling education and outreach, drinking water infrastructure projects, and much more. The budget package invests in start-up businesses and emerging technology companies by strengthening an Angel Investment Tax Credit, focusing especially on women-owned and minority-owned businesses and also supports small non-profits by extending and expanding an incentive program that uses private funding to grow new markets. Among other measures, the budget also helps stabilize Illinois’ pension systems by going above the required pension payment to reduce liabilities.

“Our budget is a moral document that reflects our values as a state. This year’s budget reaffirms our commitment to the environment and the communities we serve. Though we’ve made tremendous progress, there’s always more work to be done,” Du Buclet said. “My work to uplift and support our communities is only just beginning. I look forward to working with constituents, stakeholders, and my fellow legislators on both sides of the aisle to create a stronger Illinois for all.”

For more information on Du Buclet’s legislative agenda, please visit www.ilga.gov.