Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner has asked municipalities statewide to consider supporting the Illinois Turnaround Agenda within the coming months. The Turnaround Agenda is part of tonight’s Village Board Meeting agenda. Within the Village’s support statement for the Turnaround Agenda, the Village also slated support for Illinois Home Rule within the vote.
Both topics have caused discussion throughout many communities within Illinois. The Turnaround Agenda seeks to give rural communities more control over local issues, while also making adjustments that would affect unions and business owners. Opponents have also stated there is not enough time to understand all Rauner is calling for before in the time frame he would like the support.
Home Rule, which was passed in the 1970s sought to give municipalities local control over local issues,also catches resident’s attention because it gives local governments the authority to raise taxes without a referendum.
Because Mayor Sean Widener has heard feedback from the community on these two subjects over the last week, he said the item may be moved from the consent agenda to the regular agenda, opening it up for discussion this evening. He also said that any Trustee may motion to table the item due to the fact there will be other items to discuss as the Village comes to the end of their fiscal year.
Whether the item is tabled, or voted on in tonight’s meeting, Widener said any support the Trustees show for the Illinois Turnaround Agenda or Home Rule is non-binding. Essentially, the Village is letting the Governor know they believe he is on the right track or the wrong track. This will not affect any ordinance within the Village immediately.
