SPRINGFIELD – In response to Governor JB Pritzker’s budget address Wednesday, State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines) issued the following statement:

“Once again, the governor has proposed a balanced budget for Illinois which continues to provide needed services without raising taxes on middle-class families.

“By prioritizing critical programs that Illinois families rely on, the proposal keeps our state on a path toward growth and opportunity. It is a proposal that puts people first while navigating a complex fiscal landscape. Despite financial challenges, this budget takes a responsible approach to ensuring stability and continued investment in our communities.

“The governor’s proposal to provide baccalaureate degrees for community college will have a major impact on students at Oakton and Harper, hopefully allowing more students access to higher education.

“The proposal does the difficult job of ensuring vital services continue to be funded, regardless of the funding our state has yet to receive from the federal government. We are all going to need to come together to ensure the financial needs of this state are addressed in a fair and equitable way.

“The spirit of collaboration and unity is one we must all embrace, and by working together, I believe we can forge a path through the coming years to ensure Illinois remains a great state.”