IDNR funding package goes to Gov. Quinn

Statement from IDNR director on passage of funding bill

[November 30, 2012]  SPRINGFIELD -- Illinois Department of Natural Resources Director Marc Miller released the following statement Wednesday about passage of Senate Bill 1566, a crucial funding bill for the IDNR:

"This vote is a victory for conservation and the environment in Illinois; it is also a victory for the economy and communities across the state that use and rely on the services the IDNR provides on a daily basis. I commend state Rep. Frank Mautino and state Sen. Toi Hutchinson for their leadership and hard work leading up to today's action. I also want to thank the members of Illinois' General Assembly who supported this bill, which will allow us to meet the needs of constituents, including those who use our state parks in the years to come.

"While it's important to remember that capturing these new funds will take time, we will work as quickly as we can to put the new revenues toward their intended purpose. Passage of this bill will help us hire critical staff to maintain state parks, fix aging infrastructure, speed up regulatory functions and make a bigger difference in the lives of everyone we serve."

Senate Bill 1566 passed the Illinois Senate Wednesday by a vote of 39-11 and now goes to the governor.

[Text from Illinois Department of Natural Resources file received from the Illinois Office of Communication and Information]