SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Willie Preston (D-Chicago) issued the following statement in response to the governor’s annual budget and state of the state address:

“As the Trump administration continues to strip our state of the programs and benefits our communities need and deserve, Illinois refuses to lay down.

“I commend Governor Pritzker for putting forth a budget that recognizes these unrealistic fiscal pressures by investing more resources to ensure those receiving SNAP benefits are able to navigate the changing requirements with ease.

“However, food insecurity continues to persist – which is why I am pleased the governor is proposing additional funds to enhance accessibility to healthy foods in food deserts. This goes hand-in-hand with legislation I am sponsoring to make food a right rather than a privilege.

“Over the coming months, I will continue fighting to uplift our families, protect our resources, and invest in neighborhoods that deserve opportunity and stability.“