Dupage Policy Journal

With the help of State Sen. Tom Cullerton (D-Dist. 23), DuPage County residents' communities finally may get millions of dollars in state tax revenues that have been held up during the budget impasse.

Senate Bill 2039, sponsored by Cullerton, would provide funds to local governments throughout Illinois so they can use it on highway and bridge maintenance, provide local health departments with operating revenue and offer energy assistance to senior citizens.

“The key point is that this gets local money back in local hands, where it can do some good,” Cullerton said.

A bipartisan agreement on the legislation is being credited with freeing up millions of dollars in gas taxes and moving them back into local communities. Those funds had been stalled at the state government level for several months because a new budget has not been approved.

“My interest as a former mayor is to make sure our local governments have what they need to keep our communities safe and services running,” Cullerton said. “This is a step in the right direction. I’ll continue to work with the General Assembly and governor to reach a compromise and put a responsible budget in place.”

The legislation has cleared both houses and now goes to Gov. Bruce Rauner's desk for approval.