SPRINGFIELD – Mayors from across the state have joined the Illinois Municipal League (IML) to urge the General Assembly to pass measures that promote the long-term success of all 1,296 cities, villages and towns in Illinois during the upcoming 2021 Fall Veto Session.
Municipal leaders are backing several pieces of legislation that will protect local revenue, support businesses and economic recovery and remove barriers for cities, villages and towns to respond to public health emergencies. This includes proposals that would grant municipalities greater authority to conduct remote meetings, as well as allow municipalities to provide aid to businesses impacted by the COVID-19 public health emergency.
“The proposals outlined in our agenda not only empower local leaders to solve problems in times of crisis, but also ensure they are able to successfully rebuild their communities from damage caused by the pandemic,” said Brad Cole, IML Executive Director. “We’re asking state officials to take action to ensure local governments are able to address the many unique challenges facing their communities and best serve their constituents.”
One proposal includes SB 482 (Sen. Cristina Castro, D-Elgin), which removes the requirement that a gubernatorial or Illinois Department of Public Health disaster declaration must be issued before municipal leaders can conduct remote meetings. In a crisis, and at other times, remote meetings provide additional transparency and more opportunities for residents to participate in the governing process.
Additionally, local officials are advocating for SB 188 (Sen. Feigenholtz, D-Chicago/Rep. Meyers-Martin, D-Olympia Fields), which supports the economic recovery of local businesses within Tax Increment Financing (TIF) districts that have experienced business interruption due to the COVID-19 public health emergency. The bill amends the Tax Increment Allocation Redevelopment Act to allow municipalities to provide grants, subsidies or loans to eligible businesses. This IML initiative passed the Senate in March 2021 and awaits action in the House.
“Local leaders need the authority to act independently to make the best decisions for their municipalities and aid their small businesses. The pandemic has impacted the way we govern, work and socialize. We want to work together with lawmakers to act now and pass common-sense reforms that will grant local leaders additional autonomy to act in the best interest of their residents,” said IML President Julie Moore Wolfe, Mayor of Decatur. Veto Session Priorities
Use of TIF Funds for COVID-19-Related Business Interruption Funding
SB 188 (Sen. Feigenholtz, D-Chicago / Rep. Meyers-Martin, D-Olympia Fields)
This proposal amends the Tax Increment Allocation Redevelopment Act to allow municipalities to provide grants, subsidies or loans to local businesses within Tax Increment Financing (TIF) districts that have experienced business interruption due to the COVID-19 public health emergency. SB 188 passed the Illinois Senate on March 10, 2021, but was not called for a vote before the House Revenue and Finance Committee prior to the General Assembly’s adjournment.
IML requests the Illinois House of Representatives pass SB 188.
Increase Non-Home Rule Video Gaming Terminal Fee
SB 521 (Sen. Muñoz, D-Chicago / Rep. Rita, D-Blue Island)
Prior to its adjournment, the House of Representatives passed SB 521, which represents an omnibus gaming package. Included in the proposal is a provision that increases the annual terminal fee cap for non-home rule communities from $25 per terminal to a maximum of $250 per terminal.
IML requests that the Illinois Senate concur with SB 521 as amended by the House.
Municipal Exemption from Parking Excise Tax
SB 217 (Sen. Castro, D-Elgin / Rep. Zalewski, D-Riverside)
This bill codifies an exemption to the state’s parking excise tax for all parking facilities or garages owned and operated by municipalities, counties and townships. SB 217 passed the Senate on March 10, 2021, and the House Executive Committee on March 17, 2021. However, the House of Representatives has not called the bill for a vote before the full chamber.
IML requests the Illinois House of Representatives pass SB 217.
Authority to Conduct Remote Meetings
SB 482 removes the requirement of a gubernatorial- or Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH)-issued disaster declaration as a precursor for the allowance of remote meetings, and allows local officials to address local circumstances that render in-person meetings impractical, thereby allowing for greater public participation and transparency in local public meetings.
IML requests that the Illinois General Assembly pass SB 482.
More information regarding the IML’s 2021 Veto Session Legislative Agenda is available via this link.
ABOUT THE ILLINOIS MUNICIPAL LEAGUE
The Illinois Municipal League is the statewide association representing local communities throughout Illinois. Founded in 1913, IML has worked continuously for the benefit of all 1,296 municipalities in Illinois to provide a formal voice on matters involving common interests.