FRANKFORT – State Senator Michael E. Hastings (D-Frankfort) offered the following statement in response to Governor Pritzker’s approval of the state budget for the upcoming year: 

“From our working families and local businesses to bodies of government, the COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted every aspect of our lives,” Hastings said. “Naturally, when it comes to crafting a state budget during a national pandemic with decreased revenues and increased expenses, there are no easy decisions, but this budget meets the immediate needs of our people.” 

The state’s budget for the upcoming year includes:

• $600 million in funding for businesses impacted by COVID-19
• $60 million in additional funding for the Illinois Department of Employment Security to help address the challenges with unemployment programs
• Full funding for our pension system
• No cuts to P-12 education funding

“My primary focus is and always will be to provide essential services to our neighbors while preserving public health,” Hastings said. “I’m pleased Governor Pritzker shares this same vision.”