SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) issued the following statement following Gov. JB Pritzker’s Budget Address Wednesday:

“The governor introduced a budget proposal at a critical moment in our state’s history. As we continue our recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, we are faced with many challenges, but this proposal sets forth the priorities to address them while also recognizing the importance of achieving and maintaining fiscal responsibility.

“Our top priority has to be working families and small businesses that have suffered over the past two years. This budget does a number of things that incentivize families through grocery tax freezes, a gas tax suspension and property tax rebates. This budget also sustains our small businesses and protects jobs in our communities.

“This proposed budget is just the beginning of the negotiation process, and I am hopeful we can come together to craft a smart, bipartisan budget that puts our state’s best foot forward.”