(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — Gov. J.B. Pritzker received mostly good marks from business organizations, unions and social action groups for his proposed $49.6 billion spending plan, which he announced Wednesday night.
The Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce applauded Pritzker’s State of the State and budget address and his continuing efforts to improve the state’s finances. The chamber also supported the governor’s plans to beef up workforce development.
The Illinois Education Association said Pritzker’s budget address outlined programs that hold a lot of promise for students, and those who work with them, across the state. Under the proposed budget, early education would see a $250 million investment while K-12 funding would see a $506 million increase.
Lawrence Benito, executive director of the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights, called the proposed funding for essential immigrant services in the governor’s budget “a step in the right direction.”
That said, Benito added that they are committed to ensuring that at least $53 million is allocated to the Immigrant Services Line Item by the time the final budget is passed this session.
Although the Illinois Manufacturer’s Association said the state’s financial position has improved substantially on the governor’s watch, they suggested the state be cautious about creating new long-term spending programs.
State Sen. Terri Bryant echoed that position. She warned that Illinois cannot afford what she described as the “$3 billion in new, permanent spending” included in Pritzker’s proposed budget.
“I would hope legislators would look at this and say, ‘Wait a minute, we cannot spend all the money that he is proposing’ because, in essence, what it’s going to do is force another tax increase,” Bryant said.
Illinois Senate Majority Leader Kimberly Lightford, meanwhile, said the speech was bold.
“He acknowledged poverty and the impacts that it has on everyone’s life,” Lightford said. “He mentioned homelessness [and] mental health challenges.”
The state’s budget will be finalized in three months.
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