Illinois Governor JB Pritzker Receives Prestigious Paul Simon Award for Public Service

Illinois Governor JB Pritzker Receives Paul Simon Award

On September 17, 2025, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker was presented with the esteemed Paul Simon Courage in Public Service Award, recognizing his commitment to compassionate public policy. The Lutheran Social Services of Illinois (LSSI) and Lutherans Unite for Illinois, a coalition of Lutheran leaders and organizations, bestowed this honor during a ceremony at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Oak Park, Illinois. This award was created in 2004 to celebrate the legacy of the late Senator Paul Simon, who dedicated his life to improving social services and advocating for Medicaid.

The award comes at a crucial time, as federal budget reforms threaten to weaken Medicaid, a lifeline for over 3.4 million Illinois residents, who make up about a quarter of the state's population. Governor Pritzker's efforts in safeguarding and enhancing human services are seen as critical, especially when the majority of LSSI's 56,000 clients depend on these resources.

Mark Stutrud, President and CEO of LSSI, highlighted the importance of recognizing leaders who prioritize social services. He remarked, "Gov. Pritzker's passion for human welfare truly exemplifies the ideals of this award." The audience of more than 100 attendees included representatives from various Lutheran social service organizations and dedicated community members.

Stutrud reflected on the challenges faced by Illinois' social service system during the budget impasse from 2015 to 2017, mentioning the hardships encountered by LSSI during that period. However, he affirmed that since Pritzker's election, the state's approach to human services has been revitalized, stating, "In 2019, the state recommitted itself to essential operations, allowing our partners to recover and thrive."

In addition to prioritizing timely payments, Pritzker's administration has significantly increased funding for social services. The Human Service General Fund spending has seen more than a twofold increase since 2016, which Stutrud noted as pivotal for rebuilding and enhancing service delivery.

This remarkable turnaround has had tangible results—reduced wait times for essential services and improvements in workforce conditions within the social services sector. Stutrud emphasized that such changes have paved the way for more substantial and impactful assistance for those in need.

During his acceptance speech, Governor Pritzker expressed gratitude to LSSI for their persistent efforts to support vulnerable communities in Illinois. "Revitalizing our human services infrastructure has been a top priority," he stated, reinforcing his dedication to ensuring that every resident receives the support they require.

Past recipients of the award include influential figures like U.S. Senate Minority Whip Dick Durbin and former Illinois Governor James R. Thompson, signifying its prestige. In addition to honoring Pritzker, the event also recognized State Representative Lindsey LaPointe with the LSSI Legislator of the Year Award for her work improving access to mental health and social services.

LaPointe, who chairs the Illinois House Mental Health and Addictions Committee, was praised for her hands-on experience and policy advocacy related to human services. Governor Pritzker commended her for her visionary leadership within the General Assembly.

Founded in 1867, LSSI stands as one of the largest nonprofit social service providers in Illinois. The organization serves people from diverse backgrounds, offering critical services such as foster care, mental health support, and housing assistance. They are dedicated to uplifting lives and ensuring dignity for over 56,000 individuals and families across the state annually.

The impactful ceremony not only celebrated Governor Pritzker's achievements but underscored the crucial role of social services in the state, affirming that every Illinois resident deserves the opportunity to thrive. As the state moves forward, the commitment to building a robust social safety net remains paramount, ensuring support for all residents seeking a better quality of life.