SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Ann Gillespie (D-Arlington Heights) released the following statement after Gov. JB Pritzker delivered his FY24 budget proposal to the Illinois General Assembly:

“The governor’s proposed budget holds true to our commitment to making Illinois a leader in investing in our youth. Millions in new funding to expand our early childhood education programming and to support child care providers will ensure that kids have the support system they need for long-term success, as well as support working parents. Our most vulnerable are also accounted for in this proposal, with more than $2 billion in support for care for people living with developmental disabilities.

“Building upon the responsible spending decisions we’ve made in recent years, I am encouraged to see that we will not let up on improving the state’s fiscal health. Our pension system remains fully funded under this proposal, and our Rainy Day Fund now has $1.9 million for emergencies. I look forward to working with my colleagues on our budget team to ensure that these needed investments are made, and that we build a budget that works for all Illinoisans.”