CONTACT:
Allison Janowski
[email protected]
Chicago, IL – Today marks the one-year anniversary of the 2022 election, which saw momentous electoral wins for Democrats across Illinois. Democrats have spent the year since delivering on their promises and making significant progress for all Illinoisans.
Governor JB Pritzker signed a fifth consecutive balanced budget, building on four years of historic fiscal progress that have gained Illinois nine credit rating upgrades, a Rainy Day Fund set to surpass $2 billion, and the elimination of the bill backlog. The state’s improved finances save taxpayer dollars and put money back in the pockets of hardworking Illinoisans, allowing the administration to make crucial investments in infrastructure, education, job creation, and human services.
Led by Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias, Democrats also passed first of its kind legislation to ban book bans in Illinois, protecting students from an extreme political agenda that seeks to limit what kids can read, learn, and believe.
In Springfield, Democrats also expanded reproductive rights by requiring any company selling accident or health insurance in Illinois to cover abortion medication, preventing users of automated license plate readers from sharing data with other states to enforce abortion bans, and expanding access to emergency contraceptives at a reduced cost in public colleges at on-campus “wellness kiosks.”
After passing a nation-leading assault weapons ban in January, Democrats also held gun manufacturers accountable for reckless advertising, passing HB218, allowing those affected by gun violence to take civil action, in the spring.
Democrats also made strides in ensuring all Illinoisans have access to affordable health care by cracking down on generic drug price gouging and limiting the cost of a 30-day supply of insulin to $35 for eligible individuals.
“We’re fortunate to have so many strong, Democratic leaders in our state that have made Illinois a national leader on issues that matter to so many Americans. I’m confident that with our strong legislative record, we’ll see success at the ballot box again next year. Illinoisans continue to vote for Democrats because Democrats continue to deliver for Illinoisans,” said DPI Chair Lisa Hernandez.
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