Tom Cullerton vows to stand up for local municipalities
VILLA PARK- Villa Park Democrat, Tom Cullerton vows to fight the Illinois Policy Institute's budget plan to raid the Local Government Distributive Fund (LGDF).
As the former Village President of Villa Park, Cullerton knows the importance of this vital local government fund.
"Local money belongs in local hands," Cullerton said. My interest as a former mayor is to make sure our local governments have what they need to keep our communities safe and services running."
IPI's proposal would effectively eliminate the LGDF. That's $1.3 billion in the current fiscal year that goes out to local governments. IPI's proposal calls for the state to keep the money and spend it.
In addition to funding everyday core services to Illinois citizens, LGDF distributions play a role in keeping the local tax burden low.
"This idea is ridiculous," Mayor Frank Saverino, Village of Carol Stream said. "Municipalities like Carol Stream rely on the Local Government Distributive Fund to repair potholes, plow our roads in the winter and provide area residents with basic services. We wouldn't be able to serve the people of Carol Stream without this essential fund."
Cullerton vows to adamantly oppose any proposal that would eliminate the LGDF.