GOVERNOR J-B PRITZKER SAYS THE NEW STATE BUDGET INCLUDES RECORD INVESTMENTS IN THE CHILDREN OF ILLINOIS. 

THE BUDGET THAT TAKES EFFECT IN JULY INCLUDES 600 MILLION DOLLARS IN COLLEGE MAP GRANTS AND MORE MONEY FOR HOMELESS YOUTH AND AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAMS. THE GOVERNOR SAYS “K” THROUGH 12 SCHOOLS WILL RECEIVE A HIGHER LEVEL OF FUNDING THAN EVER BEFORE.

HOUSE SPEAKER CHRIS WELCH WAS ALSO THERE AND SAID THE BUDGET ALLOCATES FIVE AND HALF MILLION DOLLARS TOWARDS THE “YOUTH BUILD” PROGRAM.

ADDITIONALLY, THE NEW BUDGET TAKING EFFECT IN JULY WILL LET THE STATE HIRE 360 MORE D-C-F-S WORKERS AND FUNDS A PROGRAM FOR CHILDREN WITH SERIOUS MENTAL ILLNESSES.