Walker Responds to Governor’s Budget Address, Focuses on Building on Illinois’ Strengths

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Mark Walker, D-Arlington Heights, issued the following statement following Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s budget address:

“I’m proud that in the past year we’ve made positive steps to build on what makes Illinois strong. The governor’s address today reminds us that while we’ve made progress, we have more work ahead of us as we once again craft a bipartisan, balanced budget that creates high-quality, good paying jobs, promotes strong business growth and helps lift up our working families.

“Every budget process presents difficult choices, and this year it’s important we continue to pay down old bills, provide real property tax relief for Illinois homeowners and ensure that critical lifesaving services are invested in. We must invest more in education, job training partnerships and business development tools that will build a stronger Illinois.

“Last year, we came together to pass a balanced budget that strengthened education, guaranteed funding of state pensions and started to repair the hurt caused by the budget impasse. The work is long and hard but ultimately vital to rebuilding a state we can be proud of. I remain committed to working across the aisle to pass a balanced, responsible budget on time that continues to build a stronger Illinois.”