Dupage Policy Journal

State Sen. Dan Kotowski (D-28th) said on Thursday that he greatly appreciates the Senate Appropriations I Committee, on which he serves, advancing S.B. 274, aimed at diverting approximately $280 million in funds typically set aside for special interests to provide child care for working parents.

Kotowski said the legislation values working people over special-interest and lobbying groups.

"We need to shake up Springfield by moving negotiations that affect needy parents and children out of backrooms and into the public forum," Kotowski said. "A month has passed since we listened to mothers who will no longer be able to work and provide care for their children if we don’t fund the Child Care Assistance Program."

Kotowski said S.B. 274 would give Gov. Bruce Rauner the power to protect working parents without having to raise taxes or increase borrowing.

“I have led the charge to reform our state budget to protect taxpayers who have worked hard and played by the rules," Kotowski said. "We must continue to tap into the nearly $1 billion in excess funds reserved for special interests. I encourage my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to join me in putting people over potholes."