State Rep. Welch Responds to Governor Rauner’s Budget Address, Calls for Balanced Approach
SPRINGFIELD, IL – Illinois State Rep. Chris Welch, D-Hillside, issued the following statement in response to Governor Rauner’s budget address:
“With Illinois facing an estimated $5.7 billion deficit next fiscal year, our state faces severe fiscal challenges. However, we cannot realistically cut our way to a balanced budget. Any approach must include spending cuts and additional revenue to avoid devastating the schools, law enforcement agencies and health care programs on which working families rely.
“The budget proposal the governor presented is by no means a finished product. As the Legislature begins its work to craft a budget, I will fight to ensure it is fiscally responsible, while meeting the needs of the working-class families in the west-suburban communities that I represent.
“Providing Illinois students with a world-class education is one of the best ways to keep our state moving in the right direction. I was encouraged to hear the governor call for an increase in early childhood, elementary and secondary education funding, and I look forward to working with him and legislators on both sides of the aisle to ensure that we accomplish that goal.â€
Welch represents the 7th District which includes all or portion of Bellwood, Berkley, Broadview, Forest Park, Hillside, La Grange Park, Maywood, River Forest and Westchester. For more information, contact Welch’s constituent service office at 708-450-1000, e-mail repwelch@emanuelchriswelch.com or visit www.emanuelchriswelch.com.
