SPRINGFIELD – In response to the passage of the Fiscal Year 2025 budget, State Senator Lakesia Collins (D-Chicago) released the following statement:

“It is important to keep our commitment to supporting new mothers as we fight against increasing infant and maternal mortality rates. With new funding to address the issues facing women in Illinois, especially Black women, I am eager for the progress we will make in supporting parents and protecting maternal and child health.

“However, as a mom of three young boys and an advocate for other parents in my community, the lack of investments in programs for our young people is a major issue that was not thoroughly addressed in this budget. In my own district, I see how life-changing youth programs and job opportunities can have on young peoples’ careers, mental health, and their safety, and I am disappointed these programs—and these young people—were not a priority in this year’s budget. I will continue to work with my colleagues and advocates to ensure young people in our state are not forgotten, and are able to reach their full potential.

“While this budget falls short of what is truly needed to make transformative change, it is a step toward addressing the problems in our communities. There is still work to be done to invest in our youth through job training, employment opportunities and violence prevention programs, as well as support our community care providers who sacrifice so much to care for the most vulnerable in our community. However, I took an oath to govern, and passing this budget will help take some of the pressures off of my constituents in the 5^th senate district.”

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