FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 15, 2023
Contact: Emma Bittner
(972) 510-3395 | Emma.Bittner@younginvincibles.org
Governor Pritzker Presents Strong Fiscal Year 2024 Budget Proposal
IN HIS 2023 STATE OF THE STATE, GOVERNOR J.B. PRITZKER OUTLINES CRITICAL STATE INVESTMENTS IN HIGHER EDUCATION, WORKFORCE AND HEALTH CARE
(Chicago, IL) – Earlier today, Governor J. B. Pritzker presented his budget to the Illinois Legislature during the 2023 State of the State. In his budget, he outlines investments in higher education to make it more accessible, a commitment to support workers amidst critical worker shortages, and access to behavioral and reproductive health care. Young Invincibles applauds Governor Pritzker for his dedication to improving the future of young Illinoisians.
Governor Pritzker detailed necessary steps to further increase state investments in higher education. He reflected on past neglect of state universities and community colleges, but hopes to make college more affordable and attainable through a direct investment of $100 million additional dollars to the Monetary Award Program (MAP). This brings the total investment in MAP to $701 million and would allow nearly all community college students and 40 percent of public university students at or below median income levels to have their tuition and fees fully covered by MAP and Pell grants.
Illinois was named the number one state for workforce development in the Midwest region through continued investments into the Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program and new supporting programs for parents looking for work through the newly announced Smart Start program. YI is disappointed that Governor Pritzker failed to create a plan for an Illinois Child Tax Credit, which could help thousands of low-income young adults with child care to help keep employment.
In response, Lily Rocha, Midwest Regional Director for Young Invincibles issued the following statement.
“Governor J.B. Pritzker knows what young adults in Illinois need: investments in higher education, the workforce, and mental health and health care. Young Invincibles praises Governor Pritzker for his bold budget proposal to prop up key programs and initiatives that support young adults, many of whom are struggling to pay for college, find gainful employment, or address debilitating health care issues that keep them away from economic prosperity.
An incredible $100 million investment in the Monetary Award Program can make college accessible for thousands of more students. Investment in mental health and reproductive health ensures young adults can thrive in the workplace and in life. YI encourages the Illinois General Assembly to adequately fund the Mental Health Early Action on Campus Act, ensuring students have the support they need to stay in college and graduate.
Economic prosperity should be for all Illinoisans, and barriers must be broken down for women and people of color. YI is excited to see a proposed $25 million into Illinois Works for diversity in the trades as well as $20 million in grants to recruit, train, and rapidly upskill workers for job openings here at home. Investing in the child care and behavioral health care workforce will pay dividends for the future of every Illinois resident.
YI urges the Illinois General Assembly to keep supporting young adults through critical investments and smart policy decisions, and ensure they are at the table where policy decisions are made.”
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Young Invincibles (YI) is a national advocacy and policy nonprofit organization focused on amplifying the voice of young people in the political process at the local, state, and federal levels. YI focuses on issues impacting young adults ages 18 to 34 in higher education, health care, economic security, and civic engagement. Our offices include Washington, D.C., California, Colorado, Illinois, New York, and Texas. For more information, please contact Emma Bittner at (972) 510-3395 or emma.bittner@younginvincibles.org