Harper Backs Budget Plan to Fight COVID-19, Prioritize Essential Community Services

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Sonya Harper, D-Chicago, issued the following statement following the conclusion of session:

“As we crafted a spending plan, it was important to remember the sacrifices being made daily by nurses, doctors and first responders. I am grateful for their selfless work, which is why it was critical for me that we passed a budget that prioritizes our state’s essential workers by giving them the resources and equipment they need to fight this pandemic.

“The balanced spending approach I supported (Senate Bill 264) increases investment in Medicaid, unemployment, public health care and other critical operations handling our economic and health crisis. Senior care, domestic violence shelters and homeless prevention services will see increases under this budget, while over $400 million will be dedicated to COVID-19 testing and local public health efforts.

“This budget maintains our promise to appropriately fund pensions, and it continues our commitment to provide the funding educators need from early childhood to college. Understanding that the coronavirus has created a lot of uncertainty, this spending plan provides flexibility for state agencies and the governor to allocate their resources as effectively as possible with oversight from the General Assembly if needed.

“As we near an election, it was crucial that we take action to ensure voters are able to have their voices heard. I supported a proposal (Senate Bill 1863) to expand vote by mail opportunities and allow for possible ‘curbside’ voting. I also helped pass an effort (Senate Bill 471) to streamline the workers’ compensation benefit process and raise certain unemployment benefits, while backing a homeowner property tax relief plan (Senate Bill 685) that will immediately suspend late payment penalties and defer tax exemption reapplications for seniors, veterans and disabled individuals.

“The action we took in Springfield this week is just the beginning of work we will have to do for families who are facing difficult times. I will continue to do all that I can during this crisis for the people I have the privilege of representing.”