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LGDF is a state and local funding partnership instituted as part
of the state income tax.
Rockford Mayor Tom McNamara spoke before the committee and
explained what he was seeking.
"I am happy to support [House Bill 1116], which provides to me
an approach to restoring LGDF that is measured," McNamara said.
"It increases it up to 10%. By incrementally increasing the
amount, this bill will allow both the state and municipalities
to gradually adjust to these new rates."
According to the Illinois Municipal League, as of 2011, 10% of
total income tax collections were dedicated to LGDF for
distribution to municipalities and counties. The percentage
share of state income tax revenue to local governments was then
reduced to 6%.
State Rep. Martin McLaughlin, R-Barrington Hills, said the state
owes these townships this funding.
"This was a promise that none of you have received. For the
people who defend our public pensions as a promise, you guys
have been cut in half. So those who defend our pensions like I
do, or 40%, this actually goes directly to funding a lot of your
pension obligations," McLaughlin said.
Cary Mayor Mark Kownick said they hope to get the percentage up
to 10% to help communities pay for what they need.
"We need these funds to cover rising costs, including mounting
public safety pensions, unfunded mandates, infrastructure,
stormwater and community improvement are extremely limited,"
Kownick said.
There was no final decision made by the committee to increase
the funding but the measure received little push back.
State Rep. Bob Rita, D-Blue Island, made it clear he will
support the increase.
"I understand the needs, and I am in support of it, and I will
continue to be in support of it," Rita said.
Andrew Hensel reports on issues in Chicago and
Statewide. He has been with The Center Square News since April
of 2021 and was previously with The Joliet Slammers.
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