West Responds to Governor’s State of the State Address, Urges Investment to Support Education, Job Training and Public Safety

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Maurice West, D-Rockford, issued the following statement Wednesday after Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s annual State of the State and Budget Address:

“As the governor spoke today, I was reminded of the priorities facing families throughout our community and of the ability for our state to take real action to support them.

“I am encouraged by how Illinois has handled its finances in recent years. A responsible, balanced approach has allowed us to eliminate a multi-billion-dollar bill backlog, while securing multiple credit rating upgrades that will save taxpayers money. It’s important that we continue this good stewardship, while using greater financial flexibility to better invest in the issues affecting families right now.

“Here in the Rockford Region, we need to continue to better invest in our children’s future by supporting our schools and working to further attract talented teachers who can take root in our community. We must also continue to support vocational job training and higher education opportunities that enable residents to secure a high-paying career.

“When it comes to public safety, we must use our state resources to support a comprehensive approach to violence. Not only should our local law enforcement be assisted to do their job safely and effectively, we must also support violence intervention programs that target the root causes of crime and help prevent problems before they start.

“Today was the first step of a longer budgeting process. I look forward to reviewing the governor’s outline in detail and engaging local stakeholders on how to ensure our community’s needs are properly represented in the final product.”