Earlier this week, WCPT’s Richard Chew was joined by Illinois Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton, who touted recent municipal election wins for Illinois Democrats, the elimination of the state's grocery tax (which takes effect January 1), and the creation of thousands of jobs "by investing in 21st century technologies." But looking back on the first quarter of 2025, Stratton said she "can't sugarcoat" the political challenges the state and the nation are facing. 

"I mean, it has not been the easiest start to the year,” Stratton told WCPT. "In so many ways, we've seen Donald Trump really dragging the American people through what I've been calling a five-alarm fire and looking at, really, how his attacks have been putting a stress test on almost every aspect of our lives. We look at the attacks on our school systems and education, the attacks on our courts, the attacks, certainly, that every American is feeling, on our economy, and attacks on our government." 

Stratton said she is encouraged by people taking to the streets in protests across the country and urged Illinois residents who oppose the Trump administration's actions to stay active and engaged. 

"[J]ust like when I woke up on November 6th, after Election Day, everybody has to ask themselves the question, am I going to just sit back and just kind of check out, or am I going to lean in and get to work? I decided to lean in and get to work, and I'm hearing people all over our state say we're going to do that too," Stratton said.  

As lawmakers prepare to vote on the fiscal year 2026 budget before the legislative session ends May 31st, the lieutenant governor emphasized the importance of fiscal responsibility for the state of Illinois, pointing to the six consecutive balanced budgets Governor J.B. Pritzker has signed into law.

"[I]t becomes more challenging as we're seeing chaos coming out of Washington," Stratton said. "So our goal is to provide that steady leadership to make sure that we can keep taking care of the work of the state of Illinois, and keep caring for the people of our state who need it, and I think that's my top priority right now."

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