L e g i s l a t i v e   C o n f e r e n c e
Marks 30 Years of Success

The more than 365 IAPD and IPRA members who attended the IAPD Legislative Reception and Conference on April 1 and 2 got a booster-shot reminder of how their involvement in the lawmaking process helps convince the state legislature to provide and protect recreation and conservation opportunities for the people of Illinois.

With tough state budget questions looming, IAPD General Counsel Peter Murphy asked those in attendance to meet with legislators and carry the message that the parks and recreation community would like the General Assembly to support such programs as the Natural Areas Acquisition Fund (NAFF) and Open Space Lands Acquisition and Development Program (OSLAD) at the same funding levels as last year. That's a realistic - but still ambitious - goal, especially considering that last year's $34 million OSLAD appropriation was the highest in the history of that program.

The IAPD hosted the traditional conference kick off event, the Legislative Reception, on April 1, and then attendees met for the first general session of the conference at 9:00 a.m. the next morning. The early general session featured remarks from Lt. Governor Patrick Quinn and a presentation on "Getting to Know Your Legislator" by Representative Sidney Mathias of Buffalo Grove.

Representative Mathias serves as the minority spokesman on the House Local Government Committee, which deliberates on many issues that impact Illinois park districts, forest preserves, conservation, recreation and special recreation agencies. In this capacity, he often shares his insight and influence in order to advance issues relevant to the success and well-being of all Illinois agencies. He was also the House sponsor of Senate Bill 1881 that exempted the levy for recreation for the physically challenged from the aggregate in the Property Tax Extension Limitation Law. This successful measure has greatly advanced programming and accessibility for the physically challenged, enhancing their quality of life through recreation, fitness and improved self-esteem. For these accomplishments, as well as his record of helping to secure legislative initiative grants for agencies in his legislative district, the association presented him with the IAPD Legislator of the Year Award.

New for the 2008 conference was the introduction of break-out sessions. After a final general session by Illinois Business Roundtable President Jeff Mays, who urged participants to reject a legally mandated ballot question on a call for a state constitutional convention, participants selected two break-out sessions along three possible tracts: "Working with Your Legislator," "In-Depth Bill Review" or "Tips on OSLAD Grant Consideration."

The day's luncheon featured a message and a Q and A session by Senate Republican Leader Frank Watson of Greenville, who discussed major issues facing the General Assembly.

Afterwards, IAPD and IPRA members took the afternoon to meet individually with their hometown senators and representatives to continue the 30-year relationship that has resulted in a 92 percent success rate of passage for legislative initiatives championed by the IAPD.

14   I l l i n o i s   P a r k s   &   R e c r e a t i o n     www.ILipra.org

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