HR1224 95TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR1224 LRB095 20873 HLH 49729 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, Soil and Water Conservation Districts provide an invaluable service to the citizens of the State; they protect the State's rivers, streams, and other water sources from contamination; they also play an important role in ensuring the State's agricultural health and economy; and

WHEREAS, In the Fiscal Year 2008 budget passed by the General Assembly, approximately $7.4 million was appropriated for the operational expenses of Soil and Water Conservation Districts; however, nearly $6 million of those funds have not been released; and

WHEREAS, The University of Illinois Extension offices provide many programs throughout the State, including 4-H, nutrition, and other agricultural programs; more than 2.5 million Illinois residents take part in Extension programs each year; and

WHEREAS, In the Fiscal Year 2008 budget passed by the General Assembly, approximately $18 million was appropriated for the University of Illinois Extension programs; those funds have not yet been released; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-FIFTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we urge the Governor to release the funds appropriated to Soil and Water Conservation Districts and the University of Illinois Extension program; and be it further

RESOLVED, That suitable copies of this resolution be delivered to the Governor, the Director of Agriculture, the Director of Natural Resources, and the President of the University of Illinois.