June 12, 2019
Dear Neighbor,
What a difference a new Governor makes!
The General Assembly adjourned last week after an extraordinary session that will be remembered as one of the most historic in Illinois.
From his first day in office Governor Pritzker presented an ambitious agenda. He asked the House and Senate to work with him to enact a bold, progressive agenda and to set out state onto a sustainable, stable path.
Governor Pritzker won his election on a Fair Tax message - and with the support of both the House and Senate, he delivered on that promise.
Our first accomplishment was raising the minimum wage gradually to $15 dollars - a plan designed to lift families out of poverty and help them achieve equity by earning a living wage.
The passage of the Fair Tax package ensures that the people of Illinois will have the chance to evaluate the proposal themselves - on the basis of facts and numbers - not half-truths and spin. It's now up to voters to decide on the November 2020 ballot whether Illinois should adopt a progressive income tax.
It was a whirlwind session, but in a short time, we paved the way for lasting reform. We passed a balanced budget on time, paid a full pension payment, increased the education funding formula by $375 million, shored up $66 millions for higher education and increased MAP grant funding, added millions of dollars to mental health and substance abuse treatment to address the statewide opioid crisis, and more more. For additional budget details
click here.
Our office received scores of phone calls and emails in support of the following measures:
The Reproductive Health Act, Legalization of Adult-Use Cannabis, Minimum Wage Increase, Fair-Tax, Equal-Pay, Inclusive LGBTQ Curriculum, Strengthening of EPA Emission Standards, Sports Betting, and a Capital Bill to repair our roads, bridges, and schools.
Every item listed above has passed the House and Senate and has been signed into law or is awaiting the Governor's signature.
As your State Representative, I am committed to a better Illinois for all of us by making lasting change. I believe that this year Illinois has turned a corner.
I look forward to seeing you in the neighborhood, at street fairs and, when I knock at your doors this summer. Make sure to follow us on Facebook and Twitter for the latest happening in our community.
