SPRINGFIELD—State Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr. (D-Chicago) released the following statement after the Senate passed a balanced budget for the next fiscal year:
“This balanced budget truly reflects our commitment to provide the people of Illinois, particularly the 17th District, the stability and quality of life they deserve.
“It includes additional funding for education from preschool through college. One-fifth of the budget will invest in P-12 education, almost $500 million more than last year. This record investment in education ensures we keep our promise to provide school funding equity.
“We also prioritize helping our students go to college by adding $50 million to the Monetary Assistance Program and $10 million to the AIM HIGH grant program, which providesmatching grants to public universities for undergraduate students based on merit and financial need.
“As a budgeteer, I went to the budget negotiating table with the safety concerns of my constituents in mind. This year we dedicated $12 million in new spending to prevent gun violence in our communities.
“I am pleased that we were able to craft a spending plan that will continue our state on its path to normalcy and certainty with fiscally responsible investments.”
