Ortíz Emphasizes Safer Streets, Cost of Living Reforms in New Term in Illinois House

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Aarón Ortíz, D-Chicago, released a statement following taking the oath of office for a new term on Wednesday:

“While Springfield has been committed to creating economic opportunity, securing vital reproductive and gender protections and more, we must be frank about the challenges on the horizon. Extremist politicians continue to assail our commonsense, working family focused state and agenda. We also face rising fiscal and inflationary challenges, but we cannot let these forces overtake the good work of protecting and providing concrete change for our families.

“That starts with doubling down on family focused, kitchen table issues like the cost of groceries and housing, safer streets and supporting our law enforcement. That means expanding our first-time homebuyer grants while building up our affordable housing stock. We also must continue to crack down on carjacking, violent crime and utilize cutting edge technology to solve and prevent crime. And, we cannot lose sight of the vital role our men and women in uniform do for our communities. Supporting them with expanded counseling services, benefits for families who suffer a loss of a servicemember relative and more continue to be concrete ways we show our support and appreciation.

“Working and living in my Chicago community, I know that our future remains bright. Our young people will continue to shape the future, start businesses, and create solutions to our toughest problems. Springfield owes it to them and their families to have their backs. I’m ready to get back to work and do just that.”