Three area hearings on state budget
SPRINGFIELD -- More than a dozen hearings across the state have been scheduled for this month as lawmakers seek public participation and ideas about the upcoming state budget.
The regional hearings, announced Monday by House Speaker Michael Madigan, a Chicago Democrat, are designed to give community leaders, business owners, advocacy organizations and taxpayers a chance to share their views about the state's budget priorities and suggest ways to reduce costs and improve government efficiency.
"Our hope is that these forums will increase the transparency of the budget-making process, complement the work of standing House appropriations committees and perhaps provide a new model for us to follow in the future," said Madigan in a written statement.
Area hearings include:
March 18 -- 6 p.m. at the Copley Theater at 8 E. Galena Blvd. in Aurora.
March 19 -- 6:30 p.m. at the McHenry College Conference Center at 8900 Route 14 in Crystal Lake.
March 24 -- 3 p.m. at the Northbrook city council chambers, 1225 Cedar Lane in Northbrook.