Executive Director Lynch's statement on proposed FY'27 state budget

On Wednesday, AFSCME Council 31 Executive Director Roberta Lynch released this statement following the release of Gov. Pritzker's proposed Fiscal Year 2027 budget: 

“Massive cuts by the Trump administration and Republicans in Congress are now directly threatening essential services administered by state government, including food assistance for struggling families and care for seniors and people with disabilities.

“These cuts also indirectly threaten all the other public services that state government provides, and the jobs of the workers who provide them.

“In adopting this year’s budget, at a minimum, the governor and lawmakers must prevent layoffs and minimize harm to vital state services.

“Nor can we let President Trump’s irresponsible cutbacks thwart our state’s progress in other important areas.

“Illinois cities, counties, public universities and school districts must be adequately funded. Workers who care for people with developmental disabilities must be fairly paid. Inequitable public pension systems must be improved.

“That’s why, as state budget talks unfold, it is urgent that legislators consider all possible sources of new revenue, especially those that ensure that the wealthy pay their fair share.”