August 11, 2009

To the Honorable Members of the

Illinois House of Representatives

96th General Assembly

Today I return House Bill 2383 with my specific recommendations for change.  I thank the sponsors for their hard work and the members of the General Assembly for passing this bill.  Furthermore, I recognize that many advocates and members of the General Assembly have fought long and hard for this change.  I wholeheartedly agree that we all must work together to provide support to low-income families and protection to victims of domestic and sexual violence throughout our State.  However, there are aspects of this bill that I must address.

During this time of limited financial resources, we cannot create any new programs without available revenue to support the programs.  Accordingly, I am recommending that the effective date of this bill be changed to July 1, 2010, in order to allow the state time to improve its fiscal health.  

Therefore, pursuant to Article IV, Section 9(e) of the Illinois Constitution of 1970, I hereby return House Bill 2383, entitled “AN ACT concerning public aid.”, with the following specific recommendations for change:

on page 13, line 22, by replacing “upon” with “July 1, 2010.”; and

on page 13, by deleting line 23.

With these changes, House Bill 2383 will have my approval.  I respectfully request your concurrence. 

Sincerely,

PAT QUINN

Governor