State Sen. Jil Tracy issued the following statement in response to Gov. JB Pritzker’s first annual Budget Address, presented to lawmakers on February 20.

“Starting the 101^st General Assembly, we knew passing a state budget would be one of our highest priorities—and greatest challenges,” said Tracy.

“I believe bipartisan solutions and finding common ground are key to solving our state’s fiscal problems. More revenue grabs, increased spending and putting pension payments off won’t get us out of the debt we are in.  The Governor has said he wants to work in a bipartisan manner – this is his chance.”