State Sen. Jil Tracy (R-Quincy) issued the following statement in response to Gov. Bruce Rauner’s Budget Address presented to a joint session of lawmakers on February 14.

“The Governor presented what he promised, a balanced full-year budget,” said Tracy. “He has proposed a great deal of budget cuts in order to reduce spending and deliver a $351 million surplus while still prioritizing for the essential services for our children and low-income and most vulnerable residents. The budget also includes a $50 million investment into the Quincy Veterans Home infrastructural improvements, which would mean so much to the residents and our community.

The spending cuts will no doubt be an adjustment, but the reality is that the state cannot continue overspend as it has been. The Governor has given the framework for a balanced budget proposal, and I’m looking forward to working with my colleagues from both sides of the aisle to deliver a fully balanced budget for the upcoming year.”