State Budget Produces New Money for Parks

ALTHOUGH THIS legislative session was not notable for the number of substantive bills that passed, it was a standout because of the strong fiscal condition of the state of Illinois. In contrast to Governor Edgar's early years in which budget tightening, scrimping and saving was the rule, this year's state financial condition gave members the opportunity to bring home new money for projects in their legislative districts. The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) alone had more than 104 legislative add-ons covering park development projects in communities around the state. In addition, other projects were funded through the Department of Commerce and Community Affairs' budget.

The DNR also realized a dream this year when $30 million was appropriated to the capital development board to construct a new central headquarters in Springfield. To be built in Conservation World at the State Fairgrounds, this headquarters will bring together the numerous DNR office locations spread across Springfield. This is clearly a step forward for the DNR, and the support of IAPD and its members for this proposal significantly added to its success.

The DNR budget also included $10 million in grants for capital improvements to expand museum facilities statewide. These monies are part of a five-year, $50 million commitment. The plan also includes another $5 million in the coming fiscal year (which starts July 1, 1998) to create educational technology partnerships among museums and schools throughout the state.

The good news continues with $4.1 million available for natural areas acquisition (a $1.2 million increase) and $17.7 million for OSLAD grants to park districts and forest preserves (a $3million increase) from the governor's introduced budget. These increases are a result of increased funds flowing into the state from the real estate transfer tax.

Information about these grant programs and others can be obtained by calling the Illinois Association of Park Districts at 217.523.4554 or the DNR at 217.782.7481.

STATE ACTION
Substantive legislation passing this session included legislation to amend the Governmental Tort Immunity Act to increase the exposure of local governments for wilful and wanton conduct; legislation authorizing park districts to provide a premises for conducting bingo; a bill to permit the transfer of the responsibility and tax authority for special recreation programs from a municipality to a park district; and an initiative that sets forth proceedings for the disposition of property that has been loaned to a museum.

The state treasurer was successful pushing her proposal to require public agencies to develop and implement a policy for the investment of public funds. Sample policies are available from the treasurer's office at 217.782.2211.

Legislation that did not pass included TIF reform; more stringent truth-in-taxation publication requirements; and a bill that would have held local government responsible for the payment of a high rate of interest on taxpayer refunds.

NATIONAL FRONT
Congress acted before the Memorial Day recess to reauthorize the Transportation Enhancement, Recreational Trails, and Scenic Byways Programs.

Transportation Enhancement will continue to be a 10 percent mandatory set aside making at least $3.3 billion available for rails-to-trails conversions, bicycle and pedestrian scenic improvement and related projects over the next six years. The Recreational Trails Program received dramatic funding increases as well. Spending caps are