Chicago Coalition for the Homeless (CCH) is pleased to see funding to address homelessness in our state maintained or increased in Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s Fiscal Year 2021 budget. We are particularly happy to see a 10% increase in funding to the Homelessness Prevention Fund, raising the appropriated amount to $10 million.
In addition, the governor’s proposed budget underlines what we already know – the state of Illinois needs more revenue to address its core responsibilities. Luckily, Illinoisans can raise that revenue when they go to the voting booth this November. By supporting the Fair Tax amendment, Illinois will create a progressive tax structure and generate the revenue we need to tackle priority issues such as homelessness.
“We applaud Gov. Pritzker’s leadership in advancing the Fair Tax. His 2021 budget demonstrates why it is so important we create a progressive tax system so we can adequately fund critical programs, such as homelessness prevention and youth homelessness,” said CCH Executive Director Doug Schenkelberg. “Chicago Coalition for the Homeless will partner with the governor and others to educate Illinois voters on the importance of this change and ensure the ballot measure passes in November.”
“We also appreciate Gov. Pritzker lifting up the power of education and increasing funding for MAP grants,” said Niya K. Kelly, CCH Director of State Legislative Policy, Equity and Transformation. “Ensuring the success of these students, we are advocating for Senate Bill 2548, so that students experiencing homelessness and students in foster care have the supports they need to succeed once they are in college.”
Crain’s Chicago Business: Full text of Gov. Pritzker’s budget address