SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Cristina Castro (D-Elgin) released the following statement in response to Gov. JB Pritzker’s proposed budget:
“Our universities, school districts and students have suffered enough, and I’m happy to see that the governor is making this a priority in Illinois. We need to give students confidence that our state is a great place to receive their education and ensure that it is an even better place to work and live upon graduation. This is a smart investment that will have a long-term positive impact.
“I am also excited to see that the Elgin Mental Health Center will be getting the funding they deserve. This facility was the first to offer care to Illinois inmates with serious mental illnesses and with this funding it can continue towards reducing the recidivism and overall incarceration rates of mentally ill individuals.
“This budget isn’t perfect, and it will require tough decisions. This doesn’t have to be a rushed process. We have until May 31st to negotiate a balanced budget that will move our state forward, while also not burdening the middle class.
“I look forward to having conversations with my colleagues in the legislature to negotiate a budget that brings functionality and certainty to our state.”
