Mayors from around the state gathered at the Illinois Capitol Wednesday to urge legislators not to divert their local revenue. Some of the budget proposals floating around the Statehouse would use a portion of money that normally goes to local governments. That same funding source was tapped last fall to pay for regional offices of education. Mayors say they are already facing a problem paying for the retirements of police officers and firefighters and taking money intended for local government would be a direct assault on public safety. After the state income tax increase was passed last year the legislature reduced how much cities received from those tax collections by 4 percent. Cities aren't the only ones concerned with the latest talk because schools, park districts, townships and other taxing bodies could take a hit. The legislature has yet to approve a Fiscal 2013.
Mayors Rally at IL Capitol
