The Illinois Municipal League encourages all municipal officials to be in Springfield on April 9, 1991. The League will be hosting a Legislative Day for local officials to meet with their state legislators. The day will begin at 10: 00 a.m. with a legislative briefing at the League headquarters, 500 East Capitol. The briefing will highlight key topics in the upcoming legislative session.

After the briefing there will be time for a personal visit with your legislators at the Capitol. I would suggest you call ahead and schedule an appointment for around noon. The General Assembly will be in session that afternoon, you may wish to spend some time observing the session.

The League will host a Legislative Reception at Baur's Opera House, 625 South First Street, from 5: 00 to 7: 00 p.m. Please plan to attend. Your legislator will receive an invitation from the League. If you have the time, invite your legislator to dinner in Springfield and further discuss municipal issues.

Please call the League office (217) 525-1220 if you plan to attend the Legislative Day Briefing and/or Reception so we are able to finalize our plans.

Whether you are able to come to Springfield or not, remember, the League needs your help year round.

The Illinois Municipal League is your League. It speaks on your behalf and to be effective it needs you to take an active part. Here are some of the things you can do to help the League help you and influence the legislative process.

— Read the Legislative Bulletin and be aware of the issues being considered. If you receive the bulletin make sure copies are made for others then file the bulletin for future reference.

— Establish a dialogue on issues with your own senator and representative. Express your viewpoints and back them up with facts.

— Talk with your legislators or write them during session about bills that will be good and bad for your municipality.

— Strongly oppose bills which:
• mandate new or increased services at the local level without providing state funding to support them. ...
• decrease local tax revenue sources.

— Don't forget that you are part of the League; our most important lobbying effort is you. When you receive a bulletin or special alert, follow through on it. Let the League's efforts be multiplied and enforced by your actions.

— In addition to your efforts, enlist the citizens of your municipality. As taxpayers, they are the ones who will bear the burden of costly programs mandated by the state. Encourage them to support the League position.

REMEMBER WHAT HAPPENS IN SPRINGFIELD ... has a direct bearing on your municipality . . . your programs . . . your ability to pay for costs . . . and your ability to serve your citizens. It is vitally important that the legislature and the Governor be kept informed of the local viewpoint. There is a lot to be done. Work with your League and through your League so we can get the job done together. Thanks for your continued support and the League looks forward to working with you in the upcoming legislative session. •

March 1991 / Illinois Municipal Review / Page 5