- Published: Thursday, June 30, 2016 05:31 PM
"We must build on the trust renewed by today's compromise so we can rebuild the infrastructures that give hope to struggling individuals, families and communities."
SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Jacqueline Y. Collins (D-Chicago 16th) issued the following statement after voting for a compromise budget that fully funds K-12 education for the 2016-17 school year and restores state resources for afterschool and employment programs for at-risk youth:
With bipartisan support, the General Assembly and the governor have finally reached a compromise that will allow our schools to open in the fall and will route desperately needed state funds to services for society’s most vulnerable – including afterschool and employment programs for youth at risk of falling victim to the cycle of violence in our inner cities.
Throughout the past year and a half, I’ve been proud to stand with many of my colleagues – particularly those in the Legislative Black Caucus – to insist that our neediest communities not be divested of the resources they require to flourish and provide opportunities to the next generation. We have refused to accept partisanship, brinksmanship and hostage-taking as productive governing strategies, and we have called on colleagues from all points on the political spectrum to join us in working toward a positive and compassionate vision for this beleaguered state.
I am grateful for the opportunity I had today to vote to fund services that are absolutely vital to the quality of life of my constituents and all Illinoisans, including mental health care, addiction treatment, meals for the elderly, rehabilitation for ex-offenders and of course education and mentoring for our most precious resource, our youth. Much of this funding will only carry us through the first six months of the fiscal year, and the sad reality is that many providers have already closed their doors or laid off staff. We must build on the trust renewed by today’s compromise so we can rebuild the infrastructures that give hope to struggling individuals, families and communities.
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