Lt. Governor Simon reacts to governor's fiscal year 2014 proposed budget

SPRINGFIELD – Lt. Governor Sheila Simon today issued the following statement in response to Governor Quinn’s proposed budget for fiscal year 2014.

“I commend Governor Quinn for proposing a balanced budget that will help us pay down almost $2 billion in overdue bills and maintain our investment in early childhood education and need-based grants for college students. 

“My office will continue to advocate for fair K-12 and higher education budgets despite growing pension obligations. My office is committed to sharing in the sacrifice, which is why I return part of my salary to the state and voluntarily cut my budget 14 percent since fiscal year 2012.” For the second consecutive year, Simon is reducing her office’s headcount to achieve savings. She will continue to return one day of pay per month to the state and require her senior staff members to take four furlough days within the year.

Simon is a state leader in education and ethics reform. She recently released a report on game changing practices that will make college more affordable for students, and helped draft legislation that would create the strongest financial disclosure law for public servants in 40 years. Simon also chairs the Governor’s Rural Affairs Council, key river and military base committees and advocates for domestic and sexual violence prevention.