Welch, House Democrats Seek to Lift Families Up, While Trump Administration Punches Down

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Speaker Emanuel ‘Chris’ Welch and House Democrats welcomed Gov. JB Pritzker to the House floor Wednesday for the annual State of the State and Budget Address. 

Pritzker’s remarks outlined a balanced budget that holds the line on taxes while investing in resources that help families make ends meet. Welch and Pritzker have also called attention to the ways in which cruel and chaotic policies from Washington will make it more difficult to build a compassionate state. 

“It’s my honor to welcome Governor Pritzker to the House for the start of an important conversation about how we can continue to deliver for Illinois families,” Welch said. “Our smart and responsible budgets are taking real steps to address the pressures families face—from our Child Tax Credit, to eliminating the grocery tax, to making healthcare more affordable. But while Democrats in Illinois strive to lift people up, the Trump Administration is determined to punch down. In just one month, we’ve seen an unelected tech billionaire threatening the services working families depend on. We’ve seen Donald Trump announce multibillion dollar plans that tax working families on every purchase. We’ve seen executive orders rolling back equal pay laws and workplace protections. It will be up to us to keep moving Illinois in a better direction, and I appreciate the opportunity to do that work with a governor and colleagues who care.”

Following the speech, Welch’s budget negotiating team—consisting of Leaders Robyn Gabel, Kam Buckner, Will Guzzardi, and Eva-Dina Delgado—addressed the work ahead:

“House Democrats are dedicated to budgeting for Illinois families. People across our state need relief from the rising cost of living. They need smart investments in opportunity for a bright future. And they need to know someone has their back. These ideas have guided us as we’ve worked to deliver fiscally and socially responsible budgets—and, now more than ever, they will continue to guide us to a bright future. Governor Pritzker shared his vision of ways to continue strengthening our state and uplifting working people. Now the work of creating a budget that invests in Illinois families begins.”