ADVOCATES RALLIED AT THE STATE CAPITOL TUESDAY IN SUPPORT OF THE GOVERNOR’S “SMART START” EARLY CHILDHOOD INITIATIVE. 

GROUPS LIKE “RAISING ILLINOIS” DESCENDED ON THE STATEHOUSE TO PUSH FOR HIGHER WAGES FOR CHILDCARE PROVIDERS AND AN EXPANSION OF EARLY INVENTION SERVICES AND HOME VISITING PROGRAMS. GOVERNOR J-B PRITZKER SPOKE TO THE CROWD:

LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR JULIANA STRATTON SPOKE TO THE CROWD....

“SMART START” IS PART OF THE GOVERNOR’S PROPOSED BUDGET. HE AND LAWMAKERS ARE WORKING TO COME UP WITH A FINAL SPENDING PLAN.