The 87th General Assembly will begin work on the issues of 1991 in the near future. Obviously one of the most important topics is the income tax surcharge. The League, through publications, conferences and regional meetings, has continually requested you to inform your legislators how important the additional revenues are. The income tax surcharge provided approximately $30 per-capita for each village and city. The tax, which lasted two years, will expire on June 30, 1991. The question on the extension of the tax is simply "HOW BAD DO YOU WANT TO KEEP THE MUNICIPAL PORTION OF THE SURCHARGE?" To keep the municipal revenue you must work on convincing your legislators that municipalities deserve, need and will use the revenue responsibly.

Hopefully you have already begun, or will begin immediately, to explain the expenditure of the surcharge revenues. Simply review your budgets and prepare a detailed statement as to the needs met by the additional revenues. If you lowered or maintained your property tax levies, explain those decisions. Next, itemize the future projects, capital needs or various programs that face your municipality. Those programs and projects that cannot be considered without the surcharge revenues. Don't be hesitant, detail the needs of the community.

The League has mailed the following letter to every State Senator and Representative. We are encouraging you to continue or begin providing this information. If you need help, please contact the League.

Dear Senator or Representative:
The Illinois Municipal League wishes to thank you for your past efforts on behalf of the approximately 1, 280 municipalities throughout Illinois. The 1991 legislative year is rapidly approaching. One of the foremost issues you will be considering is the extension of the income tax surcharge. The debate may focus on several perspectives as to the need for the extension and, if extended, what units of government should benefit from the tax.

The League has encouraged the municipalities in your district to inform you on what projects and programs the revenue was expended. The League recommended both in print and at numerous meetings that this information and explanation is vital to keep legislators aware of the spending. I hope and trust you have been contacted with this type of documentation. If not, the League wants to know how we can help.

I am offering you our services and staff to survey your legislative district and compile data on the municipal use of the income tax surcharge revenues. The League believes that this information will better enable you to make a decision of the fate of the tax.

Please contact me by phone or in writing if you wish to have a survey conducted on the municipal portion of the surcharge. Once again, I look forward to working with you in the upcoming legislative session.

Sincerely yours,
Thomas G. Fitzsimmons

I cannot emphasize enough that you as a local official must make the case for the municipal portion of the income tax surcharge. The facts must be put together and the lobbying effort must begin. If you have already begun this process I applaud your efforts and encourage you to continue. The challenge is before us; it will be a tremendous task, however, I know we can succeed with our mutual efforts. NOW IS THE TIME FOR ACTION. THANK YOU. •

February 1991 / Illinois Municipal Review / Page 5