SPRINGFIELD, Ill. –State Rep. Elizabeth “Lisa” Hernandez, D-Cicero, released the following statement after the Governor Rauner’s State of the State Address:

“While Donald Trump attempted to snatch health care coverage away from millions of Illinois residents, Governor Rauner—despite the many calls to action—stayed silent. When Donald Trump eliminated the DACA program and has since attempted to fuel hatred and fear towards Illinois’ 42,000 DREAMers, Governor Rauner has stayed silent.

“Today he had the opportunity to present the General Assembly with a plan to move our state forward but he gave us nothing more than empty political rhetoric. This is not time for games. Our state, schools, families, and businesses are suffering because of his inability and unwillingness to lead.

“The livelihood of 42,000 young people is at stake. Local schools in my community have yet to receive the $20 million in additional funding they were promised. I’m not going to sit back and let Governor Rauner and Donald Trump fail our families. Our communities need solutions, so the General Assembly must work together among itself to move our state forward.”

SPRINGFIELD, Ill – In the moments after the governor’s State of the State address, state Rep. Jay Hoffman, D-Swansea, released the following statement:

“After watching the governor’s State of the State address, it is clear that he once again is failing to lead our state in a better direction. Our outstanding debt has skyrocketed to over $14 billion since he took office, causing negative implications for many Illinoisans across the state.”

“Rather than trying to establish common ground with both Democrats and Republicans, Governor Rauner has repeatedly derailed legislative efforts that aren’t 100% percent consistent with his anti-working families agenda.’ The bottom line is that the Governor has never been a champion for bipartisan compromise.”

“To get our state back on track, I will continue working with legislative leaders on both sides of the aisle to enact commonsense measures that help middle-class families drive economic growth, while holding powerful corporations accountable in paying their fair share.”

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Following Gov. Bruce Rauner’s State of the State Address to the General Assembly, state Rep. Marcus Evans, D-Chicago, released the following statement:

“While the governor has refused to accept any responsibility, stating he’s not in charge, the state has faced extreme financial challenges while under his watch, including tripling the state’s debt. Because the governor would rather play games than govern and protect those who need help the most, the minority community has been forced to bear the brunt of his political ploys. Our most vulnerable citizens have been denied lifesaving programs, including domestic violence shelters and cancer screenings for thousands. This is unacceptable, and I will continue to be the voice for those who are not heard. I urge the governor to work with both Democrats and Republicans to make it a priority to protect the most vulnerable and hard-working people in this state.”

Evans has been a leading voice in the General Assembly for poor and minority communities on the south side of Chicago. He has pushed for more funding for programs and education at all levels.

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Camille Lilly, D-Chicago, issued the following statement today in response to Governor Bruce Rauner’s State of the State Address:

“For three years, the governor has continuously refused to accept any responsibility for the crises Illinois has faced during his tenure. While failing to acknowledge his involvement in the state’s current financial predicament, he has caused suffering amongst the most vulnerable, as well as hard-working Illinois families. This is unacceptable.

“As a leader for our community, I have passed legislation with my colleagues to provide children with opportunities to succeed by providing equitable education for a child regardless of race, ethnicity or zip code, ensure that everyone has access to quality healthcare despite any pre-existing conditions and creating a strong economy that benefits all people of Illinois, not just the wealthy.

“Despite the governor’s vocal opposition, both Democrats and Republicans put their differences aside to pass a full-year, balanced budget to protect critical services for our most vulnerable citizens. As we begin session for 2018, I vow to continue to work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle in order to put the people of Illinois first, and I encourage the governor to do so as well. ”

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. John Connor, D-Lockport, released the following statement after the governor’s State of the State address:

“I appreciate that middle-class families need relief from high taxes, especially property taxes. I just wish the governor’s commitment to property tax relief was more than just words in a speech.

“Recently, Governor Rauner said he was ‘not in charge.’ That’s not news. The governor has refused to stand up to Donald Trump’s tax increase on middle-class families, or his efforts to make health care costlier and less accessible. The governor has refused to work with legislators to pass real property tax relief, despite our repeated efforts, just as he refused to work cooperatively on a balanced budget, failed to provide proper oversight of a $60 billion Medicaid program, and failed to act when our veterans’ lives were threatened by a preventable disease.

“In the weeks and months ahead, I hope the governor will finally realize that he is in charge, and start acting like it by coming back to the table and working cooperatively to move our state forward.”

SPRINGFIELD, IL– In response to Governor Rauner’s State of the State Address, state Rep. Marty Moylan, D-Des Plaines, issued the following statement:

“The governor said again today that he wants reforms that include tax cuts, increased education funding, and a balanced budget; all of which I support and have tried to work with him to form the needed solutions. But it’s clear to me that these commonsense priorities are just his political talking points and not his actions.”

“Over the past three years, the governor continued to not take responsibility. He ignored his duties, and continued to blame everyone else for the crisis in this state. The governor chose not to lead when he vetoed legislation that would provide taxpayers with a clear accounting of the state’s debts. It is only after we unanimously rejected his veto in the House that the taxpayers are now able to see all the damage the governor’s budget crisis has caused.”

“Even with the education funding reform, the governor chose not to lead. Now he is trying to take credit for these historic reforms that increased funding for our locals schools even though they were accomplished without any of his input. Additionally, his decision to make last minute changes to the agreement has jeopardized much needed dollars from reaching our schools.”

“If the governor is indeed serious and wants to help our state to improve this year, he needs to stop trying the same tired tactics that have gotten us nowhere. The only way that can happen is if he comes to the table and works to compromise with Democrats and Republicans in the General Assembly. Otherwise we will be forced to continue to work without him to solve the state problems.”

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Sonya Harper, D-Chicago, shared the following after the governor’s State of the State Address:

“As governor, Bruce Rauner has repeatedly failed to steer our state in the right direction. During his time in office, Illinois’ debt has soared to over $14 billion dollars. As a result of our outstanding debt obligations, we have seen the significant erosion of social services, jeopardizing the livelihood of many within our community, particularly members of the black community.

“The governor has also been eerily silent on the dangerous Trump agenda, which raises taxes on the middle-class – disproportionately targeting single parents struggling to make a reasonable living – while reducing taxes on billionaires and powerful corporations. This is unacceptable and does nothing to address the needs of those living in economic uncertainty.

“Regardless of the governor’s proven track record of failed leadership, I’ll continue working diligently with fellow members of the Legislature to uplift minority communities, increasing economic participation, and providing essential services like access to quality health care.”

SPRINGFIELD, Ill – State Rep. Art Turner, D-Chicago, released the following statement in the moments following governor Rauner’s State of the State address:

“Over the past three years as Governor, Bruce Rauner has not only failed, but refused to help the hardworking men and women of our state, especially those living in minority communities. He said it best a few weeks ago when he admitted to the public: “I’m not in charge.’ This only highlights his sorry devotion to our state.”

“Instead of working cooperatively with the legislature to address the states outstanding financial challenges, the governor continues to dodge any responsibility relating to worsening conditions in certain areas of the state. Under his leadership, social services have struggled to provide support to those in need, educational facilities have suffered to the point of collapse, and access to healthcare has become increasingly challenging.”

“Our state needs a leader who will be a fierce advocate to represent the best interests of all Illinoisan’s, not just those with power and influence. In the legislature, I will continue to work with my colleagues to address the challenges facing our state – particularly those in our community.”

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Theresa Mah, D-Chicago, issued the following statement in response to the governor’s State of the State Address:

“The governor’s State of the State address was exactly what you would expect from someone who just a few weeks ago admitted that he is ‘not in charge.’ Gov. Rauner’s entire tenure has been centered on creating crises, sidetracking negotiations and blocking reforms.

“Gov. Rauner’s inability to stand up to Donald Trump and extreme politicians in Washington shows the complete lack of his leadership. Gov. Rauner refused to speak out against Trump’s anti-middle class tax overhaul. Gov. Rauner was silent when Trump tried to strip healthcare away from millions of Americans. Gov. Rauner sits on the sidelines as Trump attempts to deport thousands of Illinois Dreamers. None of this exemplifies the type of leadership or governance we should expect for our state’s chief executive.

“Through the governor’s tenure, I have stood with my colleagues ready to negotiate with the governor, oftentimes meeting him halfway or more to give him what he wants. Despite that, the only true compromise happens with Democrats and Republicans work together despite the governor’s objections. Gov. Rauner says he’s not in charge, but it’s time he start acting like it and stop going down this path of destruction that is hurting middle-class families and the people I represent. I remain ready to work with him and my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to repair the damage caused by his reckless agenda.”

Mah represents the 2nd District, which includes the Chicago neighborhoods of McKinley Park, Pilsen, Chinatown, Bridgeport, Brighton Park and Back of the Yards.

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – In response to Governor Rauner’s State of the State Address, state Rep. Sue Scherer, D-Decatur, issued the following statement:

“Frankly, the governor clearly summarized the state of the state a few weeks ago when he said, ‘I’m not in charge.’ For the last three years, all he has done is sit back and blame everyone but himself for the all the damage our residents have suffered through.

“In my time in Office, my priorities have been to grow and improve our middle-class families, providing all our children with better education opportunities, and addressing the opioid drug crisis that has devastated our communities.

“It’s time that Governor Rauner recognize that he is in charge. I am hopeful that the he comes to the table and works with the legislature to address these important issues rather than observe from the sidelines. I believe the people of Illinois want compromise and teamwork, and I believe if all sides commit to this, the state of the state will strengthen and we will help the working families we represent.”