Join the CHBC email list!

Illinois Coalition for Investing in Families

March 29, 2007

The Honorable Michael J. Madigan
Speaker of the House of Representatives
Statehouse, Room 300
Springfield, IL 62706

Dear Speaker Madigan:

We are writing to reiterate our support for Governor Blagojevich’s proposal to fund education, health care and other critical needs in our state. Today the Illinois House Appropriations Committee on Elementary and Secondary Education passed House Bill 750, legislation that the Illinois Senate President has vowed not to call for a vote, and that the Governor has vowed to veto.

While we have all long supported fundamental change in the way education is funded, one that would provide a long-term and meaningful investment in education, we do not see the merit of HB 750 compared to the Governor’s plan. We support Governor Blagojevich’s proposed Gross Receipts Tax as the most comprehensive, immediate and realistic plan for fulfilling our obligation to public education, providing retirement security for thousands of workers, and addressing the serious healthcare inequities in our state.

HB 750 is not an alternative to the Governor’s proposal. HB 750 fails to provide funding for health coverage, and it does not guarantee significant funding for school construction needs.

Thank you for your consideration, and we look forward to working with you and members of the Illinois House of Representatives to pass the Governor’s plan.

Sincerely,