Patricia Reid Lindner

November 2004

As I write this article, the legislature is just beginning the two-week veto session. Normally during a veto session we only consider bills that the Governor has vetoed, but this year due to some items that were delayed from the extended session that lasted through July, there are other items on the agenda.

One of the largest issues is the Capital Budget. The Governor is seeking approximately $1.5 billion for roads, school construction, state-owned facilities, transit and rail transportation, higher education facilities, various equipment and economic development. The Governor's Opportunity Returns program would also be part of the Capital Budget. This is of utmost importance to the 50 th district because there are many outstanding local projects that were promised state funding from as far back as three years ago that would possibly be funded through the Opportunity Returns budget. The catch is that there is no money and, so far, no suggested funding source; a story that we have heard for the past three years. As usual when discussing funding sources, gaming is presented as a solution; this year is no exception. Rumors have surfaced that a gambling package will be presented during the veto session, which the President of the Senate, Emil Jones, is pushing so that Chicago can have a casino.

Another issue is the structure and distribution of the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) funding. The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) says it cannot continue present operations without an appropriation from the General Assembly. It is unclear how this would affect the funding for METRA and PACE and what percentage of our tax dollars in the collar counties would go toward funding the RTA. We need to take a hard look at transportation from a regional perspective. We currently have a 20 year-old funding formula and clearly our communities have grown and transportation needs have changed. We also need to consider transportation for the disabled and senior populations. This is a complex issue and should not be decided in a six-day veto session.

The House also must consider the Capitol Complex security appropriation. During my tenure in Springfield, I have been surprised that there have been no incidents of violence. We consider many volatile issues about which citizens have strong feelings, and many come to the Capital to express their views. Security had been rather lax until the tragic shooting of the House security guard. In an effort to increase security, the Governor has installed metal detectors and hired many more guards. There is an appropriations proposal for more than $5 million for more security personnel, contractual armed guards, equipment, and emergency access doors. Although we need to make the Capital safe for all of the staff, school children and visitors, it seems that some of the money might be well spent on the community mental health system. The young man, who committed this terrible crime, has a history of mental health problems and was not taking his medication. Had he been in a community program being monitored, the incident may not have occurred.

As you can see, there are many issues up for debate and many important decisions to be made during this veto session. We are scheduled to be in through the November 18 th , so please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any thoughts on any of these items.



							Lindner's Opinions
							Lindner's Opinions
						November 2004 As I write this article, the legislature is just beginning the two-week veto session. Normally during a veto session we only consider bills that the Governor has vetoed, but this year due to some items that were delayed from the extended session that lasted through July, there are other items on the agenda. One of the largest issues is the Capital Budget. The Governor is seeking approximately $1.5 billion for roads, school construction, state-owned facilities, transit and rail transportation, higher education facilities, various equipment and economic development. The Governor's Opportunity Returns program would also be part of the Capital Budget. This is of utmost importance to the 50 th district because there are many outstanding local projects that were promised state funding from as far back as three years ago that would possibly be funded through the Opportunity Returns budget. The catch is that there is no money and, so far, no suggested funding source; a story that we have heard for the past three years. As usual when discussing funding sources, gaming is presented as a solution; this year is no exception. Rumors have surfaced that a gambling package will be presented during the veto session, which the President of the Senate, Emil Jones, is pushing so that Chicago can have a casino. Another issue is the structure and distribution of the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) funding. The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) says it cannot continue present operations without an appropriation from the General Assembly. It is unclear how this would affect the funding for METRA and PACE and what percentage of our tax dollars in the collar counties would go toward funding the RTA. We need to take a hard look at transportation from a regional perspective. We currently have a 20 year-old funding formula and clearly our communities have grown and transportation needs have changed. We also need to consider transportation for the disabled and senior populations. This is a complex issue and should not be decided in a six-day veto session. The House also must consider the Capitol Complex security appropriation. During my tenure in Springfield, I have been surprised that there have been no incidents of violence. We consider many volatile issues about which citizens have strong feelings, and many come to the Capital to express their views. Security had been rather lax until the tragic shooting of the House security guard. In an effort to increase security, the Governor has installed metal detectors and hired many more guards. There is an appropriations proposal for more than $5 million for more security personnel, contractual armed guards, equipment, and emergency access doors. Although we need to make the Capital safe for all of the staff, school children and visitors, it seems that some of the money might be well spent on the community mental health system. The young man, who committed this terrible crime, has a history of mental health problems and was not taking his medication. Had he been in a community program being monitored, the incident may not have occurred. As you can see, there are many issues up for debate and many important decisions to be made during this veto session. We are scheduled to be in through the November 18 th , so please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any thoughts on any of these items.