Crawford Completes First Session, Passes Budget Prioritizing Fully Funded Public Education, Senior Services

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Mike Crawford, D-Chicago, backed the first balanced budget of his first session as state representative, protecting public education and opportunity from Washington chaos.

“It is my immense privilege to have voted for a new state budget that truly upholds the best interests of Illinoisans – at a time when Washington politicians would rather be a rubber stamp for the president.

“Illinoisans don’t have time to deal with rhetoric and inaction when they have bills to pay, kids to put through school and futures to plan for. I know this and crafted a state budget that reflects those needs, while cutting red tape getting in between families and a brighter, more secure future.

“We fully funded public education, committing hard-earned taxpayer dollars to pre-K centers and classrooms – from elementary to undergraduate. Understanding that young adults cannot afford the degrees or hands-on training that will get them the jobs they want, we worked on higher education reforms that will help Trump-proof our universities from a continued federal onslaught.

“Lastly, we increased our support for in-home healthcare workers, the Community Care Program and prescription drug affordability initiatives, because our seniors deserve to retire with peace of mind, not worry about what a tweet will mean for their daily meds, their caregiver or their ability to live independently.”

Crawford also led the effort to crack down on the telemarketing schemes used to trick seniors and young families into giving up vital personal and banking information (House Bill 2435), and ensured higher education institutions cannot require preservice teachers to serve in an unpaid capacity (House Bill 3528). He also helped school districts understand and combat chronic absenteeism from young learners (Senate Bill 407) and expanded notification requirements for parents of students with disabilities who need advocates versed in Individualized Education Programs (House Bill 1366).

“Budgets are not static documents; they always reflect the evolving needs of our communities. As continued uncertainty rocks our state, I am ready to get back to work to ensure our families are supported, our communities are safe and our futures are brighter.”