
IPHA Statement on Governor’s Budget Address
For Release: February 17, 2021
Contact: Tom Hughes
Executive Director, IPHA
217-522-5687
thughes@ipha.com
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Tom Hughes, Executive Director of the Illinois Public Health Association (IPHA), released the following statement on Wednesday:
“On behalf of the 88 certified local health departments our association represents, we commend the governor for a budget proposal that prioritizes the public’s health and the services needed to protect Illinoisans as we continue to face the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. This budget recognizes the importance of those who work on the frontlines to protect the public’s health and safety, including local health departments.
“This pandemic has placed an incredible strain on frontline workers and members of our association who continue to work around the clock to keep Illinoisans safe. It has also further revealed the incredible need for local health officials and professionals to help provide protection on a local level to individual communities and counties. The governor has made tough decisions based in science to help protect the public and save lives, and we thank him for that. We seek to continue to work with him and the Illinois General Assembly to increase funding to local health departments so they can continue their service of protecting the public throughout this pandemic and into the future.”