In response to the Governor’s budget proposal, ICIRR executive director Lawrence Benito issued the following statement: 

“ICIRR applauds Governor Pritzker’s focus on affordability in the upcoming fiscal year, especially in the face of draconian cuts that weaponize the federal budget against cities and states for their welcoming policies. The Governor’s proposal is a good start that includes investments in immigrant services and healthcare, while also taking meaningful steps in the right direction with progressive revenue sources. 

The budget is a reflection of how our state must hold the line in defense of immigrant communities and invest in all families across the state. ICIRR looks forward to bringing our members to Springfield next week and throughout the remainder of the legislative session. We plan to speak with General Assembly members to ensure full investment in the programs that lift up all Illinoisans, the revenue solutions needed to make those investments possible, and the policy changes that our communities demand. We appreciate our partnership with the Governor and General Assembly during trying times. We are committed to strengthening our state as we enter a critical moment of resistance.”