D'Amico Votes for Stopgap Budget, Stresses that Much Work Remains

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. - State Rep. John D’Amico, D-Chicago, issued the following statement Thursday after voting to pass a temporary budget out of the Illinois House of Representatives:

“First and foremost, I’m embarrassed that it took us over a year to fund these critical programs that protect the frail elderly, abused and neglected children and the developmentally disabled. While some of my colleagues may applaud themselves, I’m beyond frustrated. This budget impasse has hurt the most vulnerable in our communities, and while this is a step toward healing those wounds we still have much work to do.

“I will continue my commitment to working with those on both sides of the aisle to craft a responsible budget for a full year that protects our most vulnerable residents. While the governor attempted to drive down the amount of money we invest in our local schools, we were successful in fighting back and ensuring our schools open on time and our children receive a quality education. The stopgap budget also ensures funding for our institutions of higher education and need-based financial assistance so low-income students can better afford college.

“Critical funding for important programs, such as rape crises centers, assistance for children with disabilities and state funding for in-home care for the elderly was also included. For too long, these organizations operated on bare bones in order to keep their doors open, and hopefully this budget will help them continue their life-saving mission. Again, our work is not done, and I’m ready to roll up my sleeves and finish what we started.”

For more information about this budget legislation or any state-related issues, please contact D’Amico’s full-time constituent service office at 773-736-0218 or johnd@ilga.gov.