SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Matt Hanson, D-Aurora, issued the following statement Wednesday after Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s annual State of the State and Budget Address:
“As we begin the budgeting process, we have to build a stronger Illinois that leaves no families behind.
“I look forward to thoroughly reviewing the governor’s outlined budget and seeing how it can support local efforts to invest in education, address public safety and develop our infrastructure.
“How we prioritize our funding says a lot about our values as a state. In an era of extreme politicians attacking reproductive freedoms around the country, I want to make sure our spending plan commits needed resources to help individuals access the health care they deserve.
“We also need to take a well-rounded, comprehensive approach to public safety that not only supports our law enforcement, but also engages violence intervention organizations and other strategies that can help reduce crime.
“Our state has made positive strides in recent years getting its financial affairs in order, but there’s a lot of work for us to do. I look forward to engaging stakeholders locally and in Springfield as we develop a responsible budget that works for all of us.”