West Looks toward New Legislative Session Following Pritzker Address

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Maurice West, D-Rockford, issued the following statement after Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s State of the State speech Wednesday:

“This week marks the beginning of a new effort to address the challenges that families face every day in Rockford and across our state. We have an opportunity as lawmakers to make strides on reducing the cost of property taxes, addressing the tragedy of gun violence and investing in critical services residents depend on.

“Last year we saw what happens when Republicans and Democrats come together to tackle big issues that face our state. We were able to pass a bipartisan, balanced budget that put more money toward education and avoided the reckless dangers created by the recent budget impasse. Together we worked to create an infrastructure plan that will drive economic development, create jobs and fix crumbling roads and bridges.

“I know that we can again deliver the same energy and enthusiasm on challenges that still face Illinois. We have to take action to make health care and prescription drugs more affordable, and we have to take steps to ensure we pass a responsible, balanced budget that pays down the backlog of old bills while investing in senior services, domestic violence shelters and lifesaving care that includes breast cancer screenings.

“At a time that trust in our state government has been rocked by bad actors looking to game our democratic system for personal gain, we have a responsibility to proactively close loopholes and better regulate the behavior of lobbyists and elected officials.

“The decisions we make in the coming months will have consequences for years to come. When I come to Springfield, I always think about the families and the children back home I have the privilege of representing. It is an honor to have the opportunity to serve as their voice, and I look forward to working every day with advocates, colleagues and the residents of Rockford to deliver results.”