SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Cristina Castro (D-Elgin) released the following statement in response to the governor’s proposed budget:

“As someone who represents many schools in the second-largest school district in Illinois, I am pleased to see that the governor is proposing $350 million for evidence-based funding for our schools to ensure teachers, students with disabilities and English language learners have the support they need to succeed. Our students have endured so much over the last few years – it is time we fully invest in the high-quality education they deserve.

“Shoring up our labor force and investing in education should be top priorities. I remain committed to supporting green energy workforce initiatives that align with our state’s clean energy goals, and will continue working to make sure these programs are set up for success in this year’s budget.

“I look forward to working with my colleagues to negotiate a budget that moves our economy forward and fulfills our responsibilities to the working and middle class families in our state.”