FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
February 19, 2024
CONTACT:
Graciela González
Director of Communications, Latino Policy Forum
312-728-4291; ggonzalez@latinopolicyforum.org
Latino Policy Forum Sets Springfield Agenda Seeking Equity for Latinos
“Our 2024 Springfield Agenda is more than a list of priorities; it is a call to action for equitable investment and policies that will push Illinois forward.”
CHICAGO — Today, in anticipation of Governor J.B. Pritzker’s FY25 proposed budget and State of the State address, the Latino Policy Forum published its 2024 Springfield Agenda, outlining the policy, budgetary, and administrative issues most important for advancing Latino equity in the state in the areas of education, immigration, and housing.
“As the Latino community continues to grow and strengthen the economic and cultural fabric of Illinois, it is crucial that our contributions are recognized and valued,” said Latino Policy Forum President & CEO, Sylvia Puente. “We will continue to engage with decision makers in Springfield on the issues outlined in this agenda because the prosperity of our state is intertwined with the prosperity of Latinos. Our 2024 Springfield Agenda is more than a list of priorities, it is a call to action for equitable investment and policies that will push Illinois forward. We urge our leaders to not only acknowledge but actively support the diverse and vibrant Latino population that is essential to the success of our state.”
The agenda details opportunities for policy and decision makers to allocate adequate resources and implement policy solutions that are fair and proportional to the size and contributions of all Illinois’ Latinos, such as:
- Early childhood budget increases across four main programs, including: preschool, home visiting, childcare, and early intervention which will help build the foundation for future academic success for all youth.
- Increased funding for school districts, including those serving the estimated 30,000+ new immigrant students from all over the world recently enrolled in Illinois public schools.
- Greater allocations toward programs that make higher education more affordable and that prepare our young people for careers where they are needed most.
- Finding a way to expand parole — a temporary immigration status that also allows people to apply for work permits that is currently available to certain recent migrants — to long-term undocumented immigrants.
- Increased housing investments for Latinos to prevent homelessness and provide other support services.
This week, Governor Pritzker will release the proposed state budget for fiscal year 2025 and in an address, will outline his vision for the state and issues he wants to prioritize and act on. In the months that follow, the Governor will work with legislators and administrative leaders to finalize, build support for, and pass the budget.
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About the Latino Policy Forum
The Latino Policy Forum is the only organization in the Chicago area that facilitates the involvement of Latinos at all levels of public decision-making. The Forum conducts analysis to inform, influence and lead. Its goals are to improve education outcomes, advocate for affordable housing, promote just immigration policies, and engage diverse sectors of the community, with an understanding that advancing Latinos advances a shared future. For more information, visit www.latinopolicyforum.org.