SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – In response to Governor Bruce Rauner’s State of the State address on Wednesday, state Rep. Larry Walsh, Jr., D-Elwood, released the following statement:

“The governor and legislators on both sides of the aisle must put aside their partisan differences and negotiate a fair and responsible budget that preserves programs for our most vulnerable residents. I agree economic reforms are necessary to improve Illinois, but I do not support proposals that lower wages and eliminate protections for middle-class families.

“Over the next few months, House Democrats will be advocating a bold economic reform agenda that provides tax relief for working families, raises the minimum wage and creates jobs by giving tax credits to businesses to hire more workers. I strongly believe that our state’s economy performs best when we have a strong middle-class and these reforms will help our residents thrive.

“Our reforms would get rid of tax loopholes used by large corporations to avoid paying any taxes and would require all businesses to pay something. At the same time, we must help the real job creators of Illinois, small and medium-sized businesses, by lowering taxes to promote economic growth.

“Lastly, I will continue to fight for better funding for our schools. Children in our communities deserve top-notch educational opportunities and I am supporting a proposal that asks individuals making over $1 million to pay their fair share toward our kids’ educational futures.

“I look forward to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to enact legislation that will protect working families, create jobs and ensure that Illinois is ready to meet the challenges of tomorrow.”