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FROM THE DIRECTOR'S DESK

The Inaugural has come and gone and the General Assembly has begun its deliberations. With the Republicans having the majority in each house, a new terminology has come into vogue — "fast-track." Fast- tracking of legislation implies that such legislation will be passed within 60 days. It must be noted that the Democrats do not necessarily agree with the idea of fast-track or with the content of some of the legislation to be fast-tracked.

As I write this, two items of fast-tracked legislation have already passed the Illinois House: repeal of the "Structural Work Act" and tax caps on local government in Cook County. By the time you receive this, tax caps in Cook County may have passed the Senate and already be signed by the Governor.

In considering the General Assembly's fervor for tax caps in Cook County, a prime factor was the advisory referendum by the citizens of Cook supporting the imposition of such caps, One has to wonder why the General Assembly has not shown such fervor for a Constitutional Amendment restricting mandates on local government, particularly when the citizens of Illinois voted in the 1992 general election on a state-wide advisory referendum to have such an amendment.

Realization of a mandates amendment, as well as many other items that will benefit your municipality and your citizens, are a part of the 1995 IML Legislative Agenda (Illinois Municipal Review, January 1995). Local officials throughout the state contributed their time, often using vacation days from their regular work, to develop the "Agenda."

Just as private enterprise must face the challenge of global competition, local government must face the challenge that the state and federal government can assist or restrict your ability to function. You are the locally elected voice that must communicate with those at the state and federal level.

Now is the time for municipal officials throughout the state to support the effort of those who worked so hard to develop the "Legislative Agenda." Take the time, usually only a few minutes, to call, write, or visit with local legislators and impress upon them that the "Legislative Agenda" is not "special interest" legislation. Their support, or better yet, their sponsorship of the "Legislative Agenda" will allow you to be better able to serve your citizens.

February 1995/ Illinois Municipal Review / page 5