CONTACT:
Gwen Pepin
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Springfield, IL — Following Governor JB Pritzker’s annual State of the State and Budget Address, Democratic Party of Illinois Chair Lisa Hernandez released the following statement:
“Governor JB Pritzker once again laid out a vision for our state that working families can trust in. As the White House commits to policies that undermine vital infrastructure and social safety nets, as well as tariffs that can tear into the bank accounts of workers, small businesses and families alike, the Governor made abundantly clear his own commitment to education, health care, infrastructure, public safety, and human services. Democrats across the state will work together to continue improving our finances and invest in budget priorities that move Illinois forward, all while working to protect Illinoisans from a harmful Trump agenda,” said DPI Chair Lisa Hernandez.
Since last year’s State of the State Address, Illinois Democrats have continued to champion all Illinoisians. Under strong Democratic leadership, the General Assembly passed the Fiscal Year 2025 Budget, which included a new child tax credit, designates a $350 million annual increase for K-12 education, $14 million for a new Department of Early Childhood as well as significant support for affordable housing, expectant mothers, public safety and asylum-seekers in Illinois–demonstrating that investing in people, infrastructure, and the future is possible, all while being fiscally responsible and improving the state’s economy.
Less than two months into 2025, and Illinois Democrats continue to deliver for communities across Illinois, including by announcing grants to fund programs designed to reverse historic health care disparities in McDonough and Winnebago counties, signing the Dignity in Pay Act into law, which begins the process of phasing out subminimum wages for workers with disabilities, unveiling a new $10 million grant program for small businesses owned by minorities, women and other historically underrepresented groups in our states’ economy and awarding $4.5 million in grants to community organizations with the ability to reduce inequities and potential for adverse birth outcomes. The Governor’s Birth Equity Efforts are aimed at eliminating racial disparities and reducing preventable deaths.
