Calling it “an imperative piece of legislation,” State Sen. Sue Rezin voted Dec. 7 for legislation that authorizes the release of $3.1 billion to help fund local governments and 9-1-1 call centers, along with several programs and organizations.
“This legislation is vital to keeping our 9-1-1 call centers fully operational and critical to our local governments because several of our municipalities don’t have enough money right now to purchase all the road salt they need for the winter season or to fix roads to make them safe for travel,” Rezin said. “Public safety must be our top priority as a government.”
Senate Bill 2039 would release already-collected tax money, such as the motor fuel tax, and federal funds to help fund local governments, 9-1-1 call centers, lottery winners, Special Olympics, HIV/Aids Prevention, the state portion of the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, police and fire training, and veterans’ homes.
There are two line items in the legislation, however, that utilize General Revenue Fund money, allowing the Secretary of State to pay electrical bills and maintenance at state buildings, and helping shelters for victims of domestic violence to stay open.
In October, Sen. Rezin took a leading role, filing legislation that would have authorized the use of state funds for career and technical education and adult education, two Illinois Community College Board programs. Senate Bill 2039 also covers those programs.
“This will keep the career and technical education and adult education programs going, which is important for the students who are trying to better their education and advance in their careers,” Rezin said. “While we still need to pass a balanced budget, reaching a bi-partisan compromise on Senate 2039 shows legislators can come to agreements and move our state forward. I am optimistic that we can take the momentum from this legislation and others, and pass a balanced budget soon.”
Passed by the Senate on Dec. 7 and the House of Representatives on Dec. 2, Senate Bill 2039 now heads to the Governor.