Dear Editor,

As local elected officials, we have an obligation to our constituents to provide them with a voice in Springfield. This year, we spoke with many local groups and organizations about their needs and concerns to help deliver improved services.

When crafting a new state budget, we worked to pass a responsible spending plan that serves those most in need, including persons with disabilities, immigrant and refugee families, the homeless and individuals suffering from AIDS. Further, we worked to provide needed funding for local schools, park districts, fire stations, municipalities, economic development and to assist our senior citizens.

This funding was secured in order to provide our most needy residents with the services they rely on. However, Gov. Rod Blagojevich disagreed. He not only cut these crucial local projects from the budget, but in doing so he insulted the integrity of many worthy community groups by labeling the funding as ‘pork.’ Now the ability of these organizations to provide needed programs to the families they serve has been severely damaged.

We are hosting a community forum at 7pm on Thursday, Sept. 27 at the Mundelein Center Auditorium of Loyola University, 1020 W. Sheridan Rd. in Chicago to hear from area community organizations and local governments about how the governor’s harmful budget cuts may affect their operations and ability to provide services.

We encourage anyone who is concerned about the loss of these needed projects to attend this hearing. It is important that we build the necessary support for an override of the governor’s vetoes, and your attendance at this forum can help build the necessary momentum. We look forward to seeing you there.

Sincerely,

State Representatives

Toni Berrios – 39th District

773-235-3939

Rich Bradley – 40th District

773-794-9444

John D’Amico – 15th District

773-736-0218

Sara Feigenholtz – 12th District

773-296-4141

John Fritchey – 11th District

773-871-4000

Greg Harris – 13th District

773-348-3434

Lou Lang – 16th District

847-673-1131

Joseph Lyons – 19th District

773-286-1115

Harry Osterman – 14th District

773-784-2002