South Suburban Mayors and Managers Association members, joined by mayors from Will County, met with State Representative Anthony DeLuca (D-80) today, Friday, February 24th, to discuss the legislative priorities of local municipalities across the state: restoration of Local Government Distributive Funds (LGDF). With the State of Illinois in its best fiscal shape in years, communities are calling on Springfield to restore tax revenues withheld from local governments whose loss directly impacts public safety services, local infrastructure investments, and pension funding.
Rep. DeLuca has introduced HB 1116, legislation that establishes increases in the amount transferred from the General Revenue Fund to the Local Government Distributive Fund to be distributed to local governments.
“Illinois has an opportunity to deliver long-term support to communities by restoring promised funding that could be used for emergency responders, road repairs, and other community services without raising taxes or fees on struggling families,” said DeLuca. “It is time to honor a commitment to cities and counties by restoring LDGF now that the State’s financial health is so improved.”
The mayors in attendance wholeheartedly agree, including Thornton Village President and President of the South Suburban Mayors and Managers Conference Robert Kolosh. “Illinoisans already pay among the highest property taxes in the nation. Across the Southland, we’re working to hold the line on property tax increases,” Kolosh said. “Restoring LGDF funding will help us meet the needs of our communities without increasing taxes or fees.”
During the meeting there was universal disappointment that while Governor Pritzker’s recent proposed budget address included statements about property tax relief, it did not identify restoration of LGDF to local communities as a priority, which would help hold the line on tax increases.
“Unfortunately, there is a misperception that any loss of LGDF over the years is more than made up by new revenue proceeds from cannabis or video gaming,” Kristi DeLaurentiis, SSMMA executive director, said. “That is just not true. Only 8.2% of total lost LDGF revenue has been replaced with cannabis and video gaming revenues….a drop in the bucket.”
Richton Park Mayor and SSMMA Legislative Chairman Rick Reinbold observed, “An increase in LGDF is long overdue. As local leaders we’re facing increased pressure to do more with less due to state-imposed requirements – without accompanying resources – that cost municipalities more."
"This puts inordinate pressure on local governments across the state trying to hold the line on property tax increases," Reinbold added. “LGDF funds essential services, everything from the salaries of police officers and firefighters, to garbage pickup, road repairs, maintenance, flood protection, and local infrastructure projects."
Southland mayors pledged to meet with their General Assembly members and to bring their concerns to Springfield this session. “We want to add our voice to those calling for restoration of LGDF this year. If we truly want to transform struggling communities, we need the resources that have long been committed to us restored,” concluded Kolosh.
