- Published: 09 April 2022
SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Patricia Van Pelt (D-Chicago) voted to pass a responsible, comprehensive budget that invests more than $200 million toward public safety measures, and released the following statement:
“I am pleased that this budget prioritizes funding for initiatives that will keep our communities safe, as many Illinoisans are living in fear due to gang violence and an uptick in crimes like carjackings.
“Further, I am glad that the Gang Crime Witness Protection Program I sponsored will be receiving $20 million in funding. This funding is crucial to ensure that if someone sees something, they will feel empowered and safe to say something and help bring criminals to justice.
“In addition to the budget, I am happy the tax relief plan protects families and puts money back in their pockets with $1.8 billion in financial assistance. This budget puts Illinois on a positive trajectory towards economic recovery and safety, and I was proud support it.”