Manley Responds to Governor’s Budget Priorities

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Natalie Manley, D-Joliet, issued the following statement in response to Governor JB Pritzker’s annual budget address:

“The governor outlined his priorities to build on the strong foundation we’ve created. Now, we’re ready to get to work building another fiscally and socially responsible budget that expands opportunity and helps families make ends meet. In the weeks and months ahead, I’ll be reviewing the budget line-by-line to make smart decisions and speak up for the needs of our families. We need to continue this work that has restored Illinois to A-level credit, cut debt, and rebuilt our rainy day fund — while making smart investments in the services our communities depend on.

“As Chair of the Healthcare Affordability and Access Committee, I’m especially pleased the governor will join my fight to lower prescription drug costs and reign in pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) to ensure healthcare remains affordable for Illinoisans and I’m honored to be asked by the Governor to be the House sponsor of the upcoming legislation.”

The Manley-backed budget last year was successful in supporting the first-of-its-kind Healthcare Protection Act, which makes insurance better and more affordable, the Child Tax Credit, which will help families make ends meet, and eliminating the grocery tax and fighting ‘junk fees,’ which puts money back into the hands of working families and cracks down on manipulative business practices hurting Illinois consumers. Manley also helped implement a $1 billion cut in medical debt for Illinois residents, and in the last five years, Manley’s support has helped Illinois receive nine credit rating upgrades.

“I’m committed to ensuring we responsibly and effectively fund education at every level, invest the resources our first responders need to keep communities safe, and support enriching resources that uplift our families, seniors, and veterans. There is a lot of work ahead, and I look forward to continuing to chart a fiscally and socially responsible course for our future,” said Manley.