Statement on the Governor’s Budget Address
The below statement can be attributed to Robin Steans, President of Advance Illinois: “Gov. JB Pritzker’s address today solidifies his promise to invest in all students statewide. We applaud him for ensuring that investment in public education is the state’s top priority. Investing in the entire continuum of education— early childhood through career— will begin to restore our state’s devastated economy and ensure that our communities across the state can thrive.Gov. Pritzker proposed increases over last year’s funding to early childhood, K-12, and higher education. His proposal includes:
an additional $100 million to early childhood education
an additional $375 million to K-12
a 5 percent increase for community colleges and public universities
$50 million for MAP grants
This step towards equity for our most underserved students and communities is a huge step in the right direction, especially for children birth to 5 years old. But, we know there are difficult challenges ahead including the need for broader fiscal health to sustain these important and necessary investments. We hope the Governor and legislators will tackle these issues in a serious way. We are ready for this new path forward and are eager to work together toward achieving the world-class public education system we know our Illinois students deserve.”
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Advance Illinois is a bipartisan education policy and advocacy organization committed to ensuring all children have access to a world-class education from birth to postsecondary and/or career. For more information please go to advanceillinois.org or follow us on Facebook @AdvanceIllinois or Twitter @AdvanceIllinois.
Contact:
Anna Schneider,
Senior Communications Associate
217-242-9645
aschneider@advanceillinois.org