SPRINGFIELD – Following Governor JB Pritzker’s annual budget and state of the state address, State Senator Robert Peters (D-Chicago) issued the following statement:

“I am pleased to see Governor Pritzker has shown great tenacity towards addressing the public safety concerns of our underserved communities through increased investments in violent prevention programs and strengthening families through better healthcare initiatives. In order to bring structure and stability to Illinois we must propose an overall inclusive and rational budget that address health care disparities and unfair insurance industry practices – which often target low to median income families and already under-funded communities.

“I agree with the governor that investments in public safety and our economic development should be top priorities to keep our communities safe and continue economic equity expansion across Illinois. We must be committed to funding programs that bring more financial security, safety and justice to our communities.

“The governor’s budget proposes transformative investments to fight poverty and prevent homelessness with $200 million funds allocated to the Restore, Reinvest, Renew program and $30 million to Reimagine Public Safety. Further, it offers opportunities for communities impacted by a broken criminal justice system through data driven intervention programs, street outreach and re-entry programs.

“In the next few months, I look forward to working with the governor and my fellow lawmakers to negotiate a budget that increases Illinois’ stability and provides much-needed services to the people who rely on them the most.”