“The State of the State address provides an opportunity for legislators to reflect on the progress we have made and the need to continue our efforts to build a stronger Illinois.
“Last year, we passed a bipartisan, balanced budget that pays down the state’s backlog of old bills while providing new dollars for our schools and funding for the services our community relies on, including breast and cervical cancer screenings, affordable housing and Meals on Wheels for seniors. We invested in job training that will help students learn the technical skills they need for high wage jobs that will help grow our economy.
“Together we worked to create an infrastructure plan that not only creates new jobs, but will fix the crumbling roads and bridges residents travel on everyday across Illinois. We took steps toward real property tax relief for those who need it most by creating a Property Tax Relief Fund that will provide rebates to homeowners.
“This year, we must come together again to make strides in creating a stronger state for our families. I am committed to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to pass meaningful reforms that ease the burden of taxes on middle-class families, address gun violence in our communities and continue to fund the resources we rely on most.”