Majority Caucus Whip State Sen. Mattie Hunter released the following statement in regards to the recent passage of the General Assembly’s Fiscal Year 14 budget proposal: 

“Human Services is an extremely important aspect of our state that needs to be fully funded.  We simply must find the money to take care of the vulnerable and needy and provide them the essential aid they need.

Funding for the Department of Human Services and other health and human service agencies have been consistently slashed with budgets in recent years. This year’s fiscal plan restores appropriations that were cut and attempts to fund human services more adequately than in years past.

Furthermore, my colleagues and I were disappointed with the governor’s slashing nearly $400 million from K-12 education. This FY 14 budget holds the line on education funding and maintains appropriation levels similar to what was realized in the FY 13 budget.” 

Now having received the approval of the General Assembly, the Illinois legislature’s series of bills composing the FY 14 budget moves to Gov. Quinn for consideration.