These programs the governor wants to enact are great ideas and I support them. However, these are small initiatives that may help the economy a bit, but will not fix the dire problems we are facing in Illinois including our back-logged bills, pension deficits and the rising costs of Medicaid.
- Sen. Mike Jacobs

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Senator Mike Jacobs (D-Moline) is concerned that the proposals laid out today in the Governor’s State of the State Address do not go far enough to get Illinois out of debt.

Today, the Governor proposed aiding working families by increasing the current child tax credit, which I agree is needed, however I don’t think that is enough.” stated Senator Jacobs. "I also believe the returning hero’s tax credit is owed to our brave men and women for protecting our freedom and putting their lives on the line every day.”

The Governor’s proposal also called for increasing the high school drop-out age to 18, increasing funding for the Monetary Award Program and putting additional funding into early childhood education programs.

“Education is my number one priority,” stated Jacobs. “Early education programs prepare students at young age to do well in school. In addition, increasing the MAP grant funding will aid students who want to attend college.”

The Governor also reiterated the need to create more jobs to bolster the states’ economy through the “21st Century Schools” program which will increase construction jobs throughout the state. Senator Jacobs added that the Western Illinois University – Quad Cities Riverfront Campus Building Two is a priority in the Governor’s plan. This facility is helping to keep a skilled technologically advanced workforce in Illinois.

“All of these programs the governor wants to enact are great ideas and I support them,” Senator Jacobs stated. “However, these are small initiatives that may help the economy a bit, but will not fix the dire problems we are facing in Illinois including our back-logged bills, pension deficits and the rising costs of Medicaid. I am looking forwards to hearing if the Governor has a way to pay for these initiatives in his upcoming budget speech.”