Villa Advocates for Fiscal Responsibility and Funding for Essential Services Following Governor’s Budget Address

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Following Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s budget address, state Rep. Karina Villa, D-West Chicago, highlighted her financial priorities and plans for compromise as statehouse leaders begin budgetary negotiations.

“The backlog of the state’s unpaid bills is over eight billion dollars, which is all money that taxpayers are on the hook for,” said Villa. “From my experience working in my parents’ local small business, I understand that businesses cannot get away with not paying their bills.  The state should not be able to get away with it either, all while passing the cost onto taxpayers.”

As the daughter of local small business owners and through her positions on the House Labor and Commerce Committee and the Veterans’ Affairs Workforce Development Subcommittee, Rep. Villa is advocating for policies that reduce unemployment, decrease the tax burden on Illinois families and makes Illinois friendlier for small businesses.

“Solving the state’s budgetary issues is going to require both Democrats and Republicans coming together to do what is best for Illinois.  We need leaders that are ready to compromise, so I am happy to hear Governor Pritzker say that he will be open to negotiation as we craft a budget,” continued Villa. “I am ready to have a seat at the table to find creative solutions to the financial challenges our state faces, while maintaining our commitment to fully fund education, and ensure funding for critical services for our most vulnerable residents.”

For more information, please contact Rep. Villa’s office at 630-326-9319 or StateRepKarinaVilla@gmail.com.