SPRINGFIELD – In response to Governor JB Pritzker’s budget address Wednesday, State Senator Lakesia Collins (D-Chicago) released the following statement:

“Today we heard about continued funding toward necessary programs and opportunities that so many residents rely on, but there is much left to be done for residents that are still waiting for assistance.

“It is vital for our communities to see Illinois invest in reducing maternal mortality rates across the state. The new investment in the Illinois Department of Public Health to create a plan is an important step toward addressing this issue facing so many Black women in our communities. I look forward to the progress we can make together to fight this epidemic so that the women in our communities across Illinois are protected from these inequities in care.

“I remain committed to advocating for and supporting programs that help low-income families across Illinois, including the proposed expansion of Smart Start Illinois to prepare children to be lifelong learners and bring more teachers into the field. I am also excited to see an investment into the low-income diaper program as I have pushed for this initiative for a long time, as well as the investments into Home Illinois for those facing housing insecurity.

 “In my new journey here in the Senate, I will continue to represent my community while I work with my new colleagues to come up with a budget that brings funding to those who need it most.”

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