Lilly Passes Compassionate Budget, Key Measures

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Camille Y. Lilly, D-Chicago, passed various pieces of legislation and a balanced state budget that prioritized the welfare of all Illinois residents as she wrapped up an efficient legislative session.

“As my colleagues and I stepped into the House chamber, we knew our budget had to be compassionate and responsible. People need to know that our mission is to lift them up, not tear them down. It is vital that their welfare is not harmed as a result of the utter chaos that has ensued in this country. 

“We made $400 million in cuts to government bureaucracy so we can sustain crucial services people depend on while also expanding financial aid to help more than 160,000 students afford college, expanding our medical debt relief program, and making affordable and healthy food a priority in every community with $5 million to support small grocery stores. We know that these actions are just a stepping stone, but our hope is that they provide Illinoisans with some calm during uncertainty.”

Lilly concluded the legislative session helping pass crucial measures, including easing the burdens for uninsured Illinoisans to sign up for affordable health coverage (House Bill 3756), prohibiting the hiring of police or law enforcement officers without a signed release of personnel records from the applicant (Senate Bill 1953), allowing certified nurse midwives with full practice authority to enter into contracts with an advanced practice registered nurse (House Bill 2688) and prohibiting insurers from discriminating against any applicant convicted of a felony (House Bill 2425). 

“I will never turn my back on my community or the hard-working people of this state,” Lilly said. “Now, more than ever, they need people fighting for their everyday needs.”