July 29, 2003

To the Honorable Members of the

Illinois House of Representatives

93^rd General Assembly

Pursuant to Article IV, Section 9(b) of the Illinois Constitution of 1970, I hereby veto and return House Bill 1193, entitled “AN ACT concerning health improvement.”  

Understanding the importance of coordinated efforts in matters of public health, my human services cabinet has placed a priority on the creation of an interagency council focused upon health prevention.  This council will seek to include individuals at all levels of relevant state agencies.  Further, the Department of Public Health anticipates the introduction of a State Health Report Card that will provide a statewide analysis of public health indicators.  The culmination of these initiatives will promote coordination amongst state agencies and provide local entities regular, planned assessments in public health. 

While I am supportive of coordinated efforts to improve the overall health of all Illinois citizens, the convening of a statewide Task Force to formulate a comprehensive health improvement plan would be extremely costly.  Therefore, in light of the State's budgetary shortfall, the implementation of the provisions of House Bill 1193 is not possible at this time. 

For this reason, I hereby veto and return House Bill 1193.

Sincerely,

ROD R. BLAGOJEVICH

Governor