Local government advocates oppose Pritzker plan to cut distributions
(The Center Square) – Advocates for Illinois communities are expressing opposition to Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s planned reduction of the state’s revenue distribution rate to local governments.
The governor’s budget proposal cuts the Local Government Distributive Fund formula from 6.47% to 6.28% of individual income tax revenues.
Illinois Municipal League CEO Brad Cole said lowering the rate would keep the expected dollar amounts flat for the next fiscal year.
“And if the revenue projections don’t come in as an increase like they are suggesting, then it would see a dollar decrease, too,” Cole told The Center Square.
Romeoville Mayor and Metropolitan Mayors Caucus Chair John Noak called the plan a serious concern to communities across the state.
“We look forward to discussing our concerns regarding LGDF reductions with our legislative members and leadership,” Noak said in a statement.
Illinois House Republican Leader Tony McCombie, R-Savanna, told The Center Square that Pritzker is already failing to fund local governments the way he should.
“You’re not even at the amount you’re supposed to be already, so now you’re going to cut $60 million? He cut gaming last year from local governments, the grocery (tax revenues),” McCombie said.
From 1993 to 2011, local governments received 10% of state income tax revenues through the LGDF. At less than 6.5%, the local share percentage has dropped nearly 40% over the past decade.
McCombie said reducing the LGDF formula rate is another example of Pritzker’s nickel-and-diming.
“This is going to only increase property taxes, which does nothing on his other initiatives for affordable housing,” McCombie said.
Cole said the governor’s proposal is going the wrong way.
“They should be increasing state shared revenues back to the historical levels by percentage, a pro-rated percentage that every community gets equally, instead of lowering it,” said the IML CEO.
State spending has surged under Pritzker, from a $39 billion budget in 2019 to a proposed $56 billion spending plan for 2027.
The governor has repeatedly blasted the Trump administration for cutting federal funding to Illinois.
Partly Sunny
Latest News Stories
Lincoln-Way 210 Advances Summer Site Improvements and Asbestos Abatement Projects
Lawmaker criticizes surplus spending bill
Salvation Army rehab ‘enrollees’ who work at thrift stores aren’t ‘employees’
Illinois housing affordability efforts pit tax cuts against new spending
Illinois Quick Hits: Chicago city workers owe more than $19M
Attorney expects conversion therapy ruling to impact Illinois ban
Millionaire’s tax proposal draws mixed reviews as deadline approaches
Universities warn state funding delays are wasting millions in taxpayer investment
Lincoln-Way Central Outlasts Plainfield Central 8-7 in Neutral-Site Matchup
Joliet West Edges Lincoln-Way Central 2-1 in Extra Innings
McLaughlin’s Homer, Massive Fifth Inning Power Lincoln-Way Central Past Providence Catholic 6-5
JJC Board Prepares for 2028 Bond Expiration, Advances Grundy Campus Despite Objections
Illinois Quick Hits: Loyola student’s alleged killer faces federal firearm charge
Will County Land Use Committee Splits Votes on Massive Earthrise Solar Projects Amid Intense Public Opposition
