Politics & Government
Cary is Asking Residents to Fight Reduction Proposals
Gov. Pat Quinn is considering reductions that will impact local governments across the state.
Gov. Pat Quinn wants to cutback funds allotted to local municipalities to balance the budget for the state.
The Local Government Distributive Fund, which began in 1969, is a fund used to provide assistance to local governments.
Under the reduction proposal, Cary would see a reduction of $427,000, according Mayor Tom Kierna.
Find out what's happening in Crystal Lake-Carywith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Cary is urging residents to contact their legislators, telling them to return to the 10 percent level of the Local Government Distributive Fund and stop any future plans of cuts to local communties.
"If money is earned here, it deserves to stay here, Kierna said. "I'm hopeful that they (legislators) listen and act accordingly.
Find out what's happening in Crystal Lake-Carywith free, real-time updates from Patch.
The mayor said he's already received feedback from three residents.
Here's Mayor Tom Kierna letter
Because of the recession and declining revenues, municipalities throughout the state have already been forced to make tough and painful choices in order to maintain a balanced budget, yet still provide the vital services that we all need and expect.
Recent decisions by the Illinois General Assembly have only served to make those tasks more difficult ... I need your help.
Prior to January of 2011, municipalities on a per capita distribution received 10% of all state income tax revenue; now we only receive 6%. That's because, after the largest income tax increase in Illinois history, the General Assembly decided that the state would keep all of the increase for itself; thereby eliminating the portion that would normally go back into our local municipalities.
If that is not bad enough, plans are being discussed in Springfield that would take away still more revenue from our municipalities. The General Assembly wants to reduce, or possibly eliminate the remaining dollars collected by the state on behalf of the Village of Cary.
One proposal would reduce all local government revenue by $300 million. A $300 million reduction equates to a revenue reduction of $427,000 dollars for the Village of Cary.
We cannot afford this! This is our tax money; any further cuts will only serve to undermine the safety and well-being of our citizens. Less Police, fewer Public Works employees, slower snow removal, fewer road repairs and impairment to other programs will occur.
The residents of the Village of Cary and the other local municipalities did not create, nor did you contribute to the state debt situation. The state must not be allowed to reduce this revenue any more. These funds are collected by the state for the purpose of distribution to the municipalities.
We need your help to get the message to our state legislators by calling, writing, faxing, or emailing them to restore the Local Government Distributive Fund (LGDF) revenue to its previous level of 10% and to abandon any plans for further cuts. This is your money!
Thank you in advance for your assistance.
Village of Cary Legislators Addresses
1. Senator Pamela Althoff
One North Virginia Street
Crystal Lake, IL 60014
(815) 455-6330
FAX (815) 455-8284
2. Representative Michael Tryon
One North Virginia Street
Crystal Lake, IL 60014
(815) 459-6453
FAX (815) 455-8284
3. Senator Dan Duffy
330 E. Main St., Ste. 301
Barrington, IL 60010
847) 227-7100
FAX (847) 227-7101
4. Representative Mark Beaubien
124-A E. Liberty St.
Sample letter released from Cary
Dear Senator
Dear Representative
The Municipal share of the state income tax is not a grant; it's our money. Please restore the Local Government Distributive Fund to the previous level of 10% and please abandon any future plans for cuts in funding to our community.
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