Statement on Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s State of the State and Budget Address

“We acknowledge the difficulty in creating a state budget during a global pandemic which has adversely impacted every aspect of life. We are heartened to see Governor Pritzker invest, albeit modestly, in critical departments such as the Illinois Department of Public Health and the Illinois Department of Human Services. We reiterate his call for additional funding for the Illinois Department of Employment Security to aid in the record numbers of unemployment claims.

We also urge Governor Pritzker and the Illinois General Assembly to address the mental health needs of thousands of struggling students. COVID-19 has only exacerbated students’ mental health issues, and higher education institutions are in dire need of full funding of the Mental Health Early Action on Campus Act to provide students with safe, culturally competent, and effective mental health services. We were disappointed about the lack of a plan to fund this Act, but we will continue to work with stakeholders to bring about the necessary mental health support to students.

Young adults ages 18-34 in Illinois are urging our elected officials to enact policies that set us up for economic success. We cannot prosper until there is adequate funding for higher education, health care and mental health services, and workforce opportunities. These programs must be funded today to ensure our economic prosperity tomorrow.”