SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Ram Villivalam (D-Chicago) released the following statement after the governor outlined his budget proposal for Fiscal Year 2025:

“It is great to see that Governor’s Pritzker’s proposed budget closes corporate loopholes to continue our commitment to funding K-12 public education, supporting our seniors, safety for all of us, and prioritizing economic development in Illinois. It is imperative that we continue investing into our communities – from our youth to our seniors.

“Everyone deserves the right to a high-quality education, regardless of ZIP code. Being a father to two children, I understand the importance of always investing in our young people. The investments we make in our children will pay off dividends for years to come.

“By increasing funding for home-delivered meal programs and the Community Care Program, we can provide our seniors with the opportunity to live their lives with the dignity and respect that they deserve.

“We need to continue our commitment to attract the best and brightest entrepreneurs to make Illinois their home. The proposed funding toward grants, resources and apprenticeship programs is going to help grow our economy and create new good-paying jobs for Illinoisans.

“This is an encouraging first step in the budget process. I am looking forward to working with my colleagues to pass a budget that prioritizes the needs of our community and state.”