State Rep to Form Group to Analyze Rauner's Budget

State Rep. Scott R. Drury, D-Highwood, announced the formation of the District 58 Municipal Working Group on Tuesday, a force tasked with analyzing the impact of Governor Bruce Rauner’s proposed budget on local governments.

The group, which arose from a March 6 roundtable hosted by Drury, will also seek creative ways to lessen the burden on local governments that would be hit with a 50 percent reduction in the Local Government Distributive Fund if Rauner’s budget is approved in full.

“The roundtable conference provided an opportunity for our area’s leaders to examine and discuss Illinois’ current fiscal crisis and its impacts from multiple perspectives,” said Drury. “This shifted the focus away from pointing fingers and placing blame to looking for solutions.”

Officials represented at the roundtable conference included those from Bannockburn, Deerfield, Glencoe, Highland Park, Highwood, Lake Bluff, Lake Forest, Northbrook and North Chicago.

The Working Group will consist of representatives from various municipalities in the 58th District. Drury expects to formally announce the members in the near future and states that many municipalities have already asked to be part of it.

“The great response is a testament to our office’s proven leadership when our local governments are confronted with challenging issues,” he said.