Walker Highlights Need for State Budget to Focus on Recovery

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Mark Walker, D-Arlington Heights, issued the following statement Wednesday after the governor’s annual budget address:

“As we begin to craft a budget, we must prioritize essential services such as domestic violence shelters and senior care while supporting our local businesses during these difficult times. The governor’s proposal is the starting point for budget discussions that should focus not only on how we handle the pandemic, but how we recover from it as well.

“Getting our economy back on track as quickly as possible should be a priority, and that starts with providing relief for small businesses and funding job training programs displaced workers will need access to. A responsible budget should properly fund schools as they address new safety challenges, support public safety departments and ensure lifesaving access to health care is available to all.

“Our budget must be realistic and take into account the unique challenges and uncertainty caused by the pandemic. I look forward to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to deliver a responsible spending plan that helps Illinois come out of this health and economic crisis stronger.”