Munoz applauds funding to support small businesses, immigrants

SPRINGFIELD – Assistant Majority Leader Tony Munoz (D-Chicago released the following statement after Governor JB Pritzker signed the Fiscal Year 21 budget, found in Senate Bill 264, providing funding for services that will put Illinois on the road to recovery from the health and economic stresses caused by the COVID-19 outbreak.

“Our immigrant communities were left with little to no support under federal aid packages as the Trump administration chose to ignore their needs. I applaud my colleagues and Governor Pritzker for increasing funding for immigrant welcoming centers and expanding Medicaid to cover undocumented seniors.

“Our small businesses will see support from $600 million in grants dedicated to helping them rebuild, including funds set aside for underserved communities. This budget also provides rent and mortgage assistance, and helps deliver important healthcare services.

“We won’t stop here. Young people continue to protest against inequities in our communities, and we need to answer their call. Latino communities in my district need violence intervention services, protection against environmental racism and more investments in economic development.”