by Judith Ruiz-BranchIllinois News Connection
The proposal does not reflect the priorities of Black Illinoisans or address the historical disparities they continue to face.
CHICAGO - Illinois' Legislative Latino Caucus and Black Caucus have responded to Governor JB Pritzker's budget address he delivered last week, and each criticized the lack of support for their constituents across the state. In his speech, the governor outlined a $2 billion spending increase without tax increases. Some proposed cuts include eliminating Medicaid-like coverage for noncitizen adults ages 42-65 as a way to make up for the state's budget gap, which is estimated to top $3 billion. Kareem Kenyatta, owner of the Third Reading Consulting Group and a legislative consultant, said federal policy changes may be a contributing factor, while its sister program for immigrant seniors remains off the chopping block for now. "It'd be one thing if you had a federal government that was willing to come in and back you on initiatives like that," Kenyatta observed. "But in fact it's the exact opposite, where not only are you going to get less funding as a state but you may be punished even more for embracing these policies." Priztker's office estimated cutting the Health Benefits for Immigrant Adults program would save the state $330 million. The budget would be the largest in state history, totaling over $55 billion, a roughly $2 billion increase from last year. Kenyatta noted some Black Caucus members have pushed back, saying the proposal does not reflect the priorities of Black Illinoisans or address the historical disparities they continue to face. "I do think this is something worth watching as the budget process plays out," Kenyatta emphasized. "Usually, you have the party that's in control -- which in Illinois is the Democratic Party -- usually folks are on the same page and they can construct a budget together, even in tough years like this one." Together, members of the Black Caucus and Latino Caucus make up about one-quarter of the General Assembly. Kenyatta added it will be important for them to address any divisions incited by the governor's proposals in order to meet the May 31 deadline to pass the budget.
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