SPRINGFIELD – In response to the governor’s annual budget address Wednesday, State Senator Celina Villanueva (D-Chicago) issued the following statement:

“It’s clear that certain communities have been disproportionately impacted by the pandemic, demonstrating the need for a comprehensive plan to expand access to health care and public health resources while also working toward a more equitable society. One of our top priorities has to be ensuring the safety and wellbeing of immigrant communities, who continue to struggle finding access to supportive resources.”

“Working-class and immigrant communities have been the backbone of our state throughout this pandemic, and it’s clear that the governor has made an earnest effort to prioritize their safety and wellbeing by investing in community organizations that support local residents. Though this proposal is a good start, I would like to see more active consideration of the populations in my community that still need support services and increased resources.”

“Making sure our residents have the resources they need is what fuels our state and allows us to be a leader in worker protection, public safety and social equity.”