SPRINGFIELD – Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford (D-Maywood) released the following statement after the Senate approved a balanced budget while paying down debt, funds the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus laws to rid Illinois of systemic racism, increases support for small businesses, and funds critical health care services. 

“This budget directs federal resources where they’re needed most to ensure that our working families have greater security and to support our communities as a whole. I’m especially pleased with additional funds for law enforcement training, job training, and economic development grant programs.  

“We worked hard to allocate money for the laws the Black Caucus passed to fight against systemic racism, increase the funding for small businesses in disadvantaged communities, and increased health care upgrades including for individuals who have mental health, behavioral health and substance abuse challenges.”