SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr. – the Senate’s Appropriations Leader – released the following statement after Governor JB Pritzker laid the groundwork of his Fiscal Year 2024 budget proposal:

“Throughout recent years – and despite the turmoil that was brought forth due to the pandemic – Illinois has put itself in the greatest financial situation it has seen in years. As a General Assembly, we have a responsibility to continue on a path of fiscal stability by passing a balanced budget that prioritizes the people, groups and agencies that need the most help.

“In the months to come, I will use my position as the Senate Appropriations Committee Chair to negotiate a budget that solves the pressing economic problems facing our low- and middle-income families through education, small business and public safety initiatives.”