Grundy Reporter

Sen. Sue Rezin (R-Morris) shared her thoughts on Gov. J.B. Pritzker's State of the State and Budget address in a video posted Feb. 15 on Facebook.

Rezin seemed pleased with Pritzker's plans for investing in early childcare.

“Right now, we have childcare deserts throughout the entire state, especially in the rural areas," Rezin said. "There are many people that just do not have access or can't afford childcare or may work nontraditional hours, so they don't have access to childcare, so I was encouraged to hear the governor talking about the importance, and more importantly, investing in childcare."

Rezin discussed her own involvement in early education policies. 

"The governor also talked about investing in early childhood development. This is a committee actually that I'm going to be the minority spokesman on," Rezin said. "I look forward to working with all parties across the aisle, and with this administration to advance some commonsense policies to make sure that our youngest of the young have the tools needed in order to set them off and be successful when they enter school."

Rezin said she was concerned about state spending.

"There's a huge increase in the budget. Our concern for next year is we have been told that there will be a budget cliff, which is going to be difficult for us, so I would say that it is important that we make sure there are many good ideas," Rezin said. "We have to prioritize what we spend our revenue on this year, and make sure that we avert any kind of financial cliff next year.”

In his address, Pritzker talked about his proposed Smart Start Illinois pre-kindergarten program that he would like to see available to every 3- and 4-year old in the state. He said it has four pillars: childcare, pre-K, home visits and early intervention.

He also touted fiscal progress. 

"What was once an Illinois with $17 billion in overdue bills is now an Illinois that pays its bills on time," Pritzker said. "What was once an Illinois that went years without a budget is now an Illinois that has passed four balanced budgets in a row. What was once a state with no cushion to protect it in an economic downturn is now an Illinois on track to have a $2.3 billion Rainy Day Fund."

Pritzker said the state's credit rating is improving, and he listed billions in debt that have been paid off.

Rezin was elected to the Illinois House of Representatives in November of 2010, and was then appointed to the Illinois State Senate. She was sworn in as State Senator on Dec. 14, 2010, and has continually represented the 38th Legislative District since then.