A campaigning Gov. JB Pritzker (pictured, left) Wednesday participated in a roundtable discussion with leaders of a major union which is endorsing him: the Associated Fire Fighters of Illinois.
In addition to a doubling of death benefits and pension fund consolidation, mental health came up.
“Post traumatic stress disorder has really become a thing,” said the union’s president, Chuck Sullivan (pictured, right). “Our membership has made a point of, ‘it’s okay not to be okay,’ and I think there is some funding in your budget for that.”
The governor affirmed that, adding many classes of first responders are covered. “We recognize, especially during the pandemic, the challenges that you all were going through.”
Responding to reporters’ questions afterward, the governor blamed predecessor Bruce Rauner for DCFS’ problems and noted Republican challenger Richard Irvin “was for the (criminal justice) SAFE-T Act before he was against it.”