Legislative Update – State to Release Critical Local Government Revenue

On Monday, December 7, 2015, the Illinois Municipal League (IML) reported in their IML Statehouse Briefing that Governor Bruce Rauner signed SB 2039, which will trigger the release of critical revenues the state owes to local governments.

The bill passed the Senate 53-0 following testimony before the Senate Appropriations Committee by IML Executive Director Brad Cole. The bill was approved by the House of Representatives on December 2nd.

The funds have, as Cole explained in his testimony, “a significant impact on municipal coffers” for municipalities who “have been using their reserves or general fund revenues so far this fiscal year.”

SB 2039, sponsored by Senator Tom Cullerton (D-Villa Park), a former Mayor of Villa Park, provides appropriation authority for Motor Fuel Tax (MFT) revenue, Use Tax revenue, casino and video gaming revenues and 9-1-1 funding. The bill also includes some spending for other state government agencies and programs. Cullerton called the bill a “negotiated bipartisan compromise.”

The IGFOA appreciates the work of the Senate, the House and Governor Rauner in their efforts to release these much needed funds to our members.