Moylan Supports Budget; Focuses on Protecting Workers and Maintaining Essential Services

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Marty Moylan, D-Des Plaines, issued the following statement Saturday at the conclusion of legislative session:

“These are certainly unprecedented times with new challenges that deserve action. I am grateful for the selfless work that nurses, doctors, first responders and other essential workers are doing every single day in the face of this crisis, which is why we needed to pass a budget that prioritizes them.

“The budget I supported responsibly increases funding for public health care, Medicaid, unemployment and other essential services such as domestic violence shelters, senior care and homeless prevention. It preserves our commitment to education funding, while also maintaining our promise to fund pensions. Of note, over $400 million in new funding will go toward COVID-19 testing and local public health services.

“Unfortunately we face a lot of uncertainty in the coming months, which is why this budget, with legislative oversight, proactively gives flexibility to state agencies and the governor to allocate resources as responsibly as possible moving forward.

“In addition to the budget, I also backed Senate Bill 685 to provide immediate property tax relief by suspending late payment penalties and deferring tax exemption reapplication requirements for seniors, veterans and those with disabilities. I also supported Senate Bill 471, which expands unemployment benefits and streamlines the workers’ compensation process.

“I anticipate that in the months ahead, there will be new challenges that require us to take action on a state and local level. I remain committed to continuing to work with local leaders, residents and state officials to do everything I can help all of us get through these trying times.”