Crawford Brings Fresh Face, Ideas to Upcoming Budget Talks

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Mike Crawford, D-Chicago, will focus on cutting costs, raising the standard of living for neighborhood families in upcoming budget and legislative negotiations, following Governor Pritzker’s State of the State Address.

“As I begin my first term as a state representative, I am reminded of the possibility of a better tomorrow for Illinois. It’s no secret that we are up against a president committed to fighting, rather than working, with us, and one who signs nonsensical executive orders as a show of strength. But these forces will not shake my resolve to curb out-of-control prices of housing and groceries and make our state the best place to start and raise a family. We have already accomplished so much that has changed the lives of working families for the better: a new child tax credit, common sense healthcare reform to slash premiums and raise the standard of care, and rebuilt roads, bridges and public transportation. As an educator and a father, I know our kids are our future; we need to set them up for success by passing a supportive budget not just this year, but every year.”

Crawford is championing multiple pieces of legislation to improve Illinois’ education system and set students up for success.

Many parents of children with disabilities often navigate the education space without full knowledge of their rights and available services. Crawford’s legislation would require schools to provide information on how parents can access an individualized education program advocate to help guide important decisions on the child’s current and future educational progress (House Bill 1366).

He is also fighting to provide more opportunities for people to build their dream careers and be mentored by professionals in their field (House Bill 3460).