Dear Editor,
As local elected officials, we have an obligation to provide our constituents with constant communication on the actions of our state government, especially when it comes to our state's finances.
This year, lawmakers and the governor will have to make some very difficult decisions to close a deficit that fiscal experts estimate at $750 million forcing us to make hard decisions about how taxpayer dollars are spent while still preserving vital services.
We are hosting a regional state budget hearing this month to bring state government to the people, provide a greater understanding of Illinois' current financial condition and give local residents the opportunity to offer their views on what state funding priorities should be. We will hear from community organizations, local officials, health care facilities and school districts as we work towards crafting a responsible state budget.
The budget hearing for our area will take place Thurs., March 27 at 6 p.m. in the Olson Auditorium of Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center, 836 W. Wellington. We encourage anyone who is concerned about the condition of our state's budget to attend this hearing. For more information, please call Jon Paul Valadez at 312-814-4887.
We look forward to seeing you March 27.
Sincerely,
State Representatives
Rich Bradley – 40th District
John D'Amico – 15th District
John Fritchey – 11th District
Greg Harris – 13th District
Lou Lang – 16th District
Joseph Lyons – 19th District