SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Emil Jones (D-Chicago) voted today for a budget that increases violence prevention grants, education and DCFS.

“Our state was in a hostile place for a few years, but this year’s budget puts Illinois in better shape than before,” Jones said. “We are on a path toward stability and funding all the services Illinois needs.”

“Additionally, the budget is funding a program that helps our kids escape violence and creates new career opportunities,” Jones said.

The budget appropriates $12 million in grants to address violence prevention efforts state statewide, including downstate communities, Chicago and the suburbs.

P-12 education will have record-breaking funding of $8.8 billion, and higher education will receive a 5 percent increase to support community college and universities.

The Monetary Award Program (MAP) will receive $451 million in next year’s budget – a $50 million increase over last year.

AIM HIGH, a program that works to reduce the costs of college for working and middle-class students, will receive an additional $10 million in funding, a move Jones hopes will help combat student out migration.     

DCFS will receive an additional $100 million to hire 300 staff and caseworkers, reducing worker caseload and ensuring more attentive oversight for children and families under the agency’s care.