To the Honorable Members of the
Illinois Senate
93rd General Assembly
This legislation promotes an important purpose: providing programs through our park districts and special recreation districts to serve persons with physical or mental disabilities. Yet, this legislation also poses a significant hurdle: increasing property taxes to pay for these programs outside the limits of tax caps and the voter approval process required by them. We have estimated that property taxes could increase by $16 million in Chicago over several years. The challenge, which we have faced throughout state government, is to fund important and priority services and programs without asking the people of Illinois to pay more in taxes. I remain committed to this principle and cannot support legislation that asks for an increase in property taxes. I do believe that there are other ways these services can be funded, and I am directing the Office of Management and Budget to convene a meeting with representatives of the Special Recreation Associations and others affected to propose alternatives. I know that by working together we can provide these important opportunities for persons with disabilities.
Pursuant to Article IV, Section 9(b) of the Illinois Constitution of 1970, I hereby veto and return Senate Bill 1881, entitled “AN ACT concerning taxes.”
Sincerely,
ROD R. BLAGOJEVICH
Governor