Hirschauer Outlines Budget Priorities, Calls for More COVID Relief and Full Funding for Schools

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia, released the following statement in response to Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s budget address on Wednesday:

“As we work together to develop our state budget, it is critical to recognize the challenges so many families, small businesses, and communities are experiencing right now. I am focused on providing affordable health care, bringing relief to our hardest-hit workers and businesses, and continuing to improve Illinois’ economy.

“The last presidential administration deepened the impact of the pandemic by ignoring science-based health policy, neglecting the financial needs of renters facing eviction, and leaving long standing family-owned businesses at risk of permanent closure. My hope is that Congress will act quickly to send additional support to states and local governments, so we can invest more into COVID mitigation, testing, vaccine distribution, and relief for small businesses.

“The governor’s budget address is just the first step in the long process of creating a budget. As we progress, I will advocate for a fair and responsible budget, one that focuses on our state’s most urgent needs. These include supporting seniors, small businesses, and displaced workers through the current crisis, as well as adequately funding education to ensure all teachers and students have safe classrooms. We must explore every opportunity to cut wasteful spending in order to direct our limited resources toward essential services.”

“I look forward to getting back down to Springfield and working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to come up with a budget that meets the needs of our communities.”