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Local governments across Illinois are calling on state lawmakers
to invest in communities by returning local funds.

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Invest in Communities

Local governments across Illinois are calling on state lawmakers to invest in communities by returning local funds where they are needed most.

Cities, counties, towns and villages across Illinois are banding together to remind state lawmakers to return local funds that allow municipalities and counties to invest in critical priorities like infrastructure, public safety and community services. Since 2011, local governments across the state have been deprived of more than $9.8 billion that could be used to replace lead service lines, buy police body cameras, pay down public safety pension obligations, and support other local projects.

What is LGDF?

In Illinois, county and municipal governments receive a portion of the income taxes collected by the State on individuals and corporations. This pool of revenue, previously 10% of income taxes, is the Local Government Distributive Fund (LGDF), which is returned to each community on a per capita basis each year. This system was established in 1969 when the state income tax was created instead of local governments collecting their own income taxes.

In 2011, after this system had been in place for more than 50 years, Illinois lawmakers started taking a larger share of the local pie – reducing the agreed-upon 10 percent rate. When state lawmakers increased the state income tax that year, none of that increase was allocated to local communities.

In FY24, the General Assembly increased LGDF from 6.16 percent to 6.47 percent, investing an estimated $130 million in additional revenue to Illinois municipalities and counties. Communities are only beginning to see the benefits of this first step toward restoration, and additional increases in LGDF will compound these returns on investment.

How does this impact my taxes?

Investing in Communities will reduce pressure on property taxes and allow municipal and county governments to pay for state mandates and community needs without increasing the income or property taxes or adding new taxes or fees on residents.

At a time where State revenues are at an all time high, restoring lost funding to LGDF must be a priority. Nothing contributes more to maintaining and increasing the safety, health and welfare of all Illinois residents than LGDF. For each dollar allocated to LGDF, the State receives a multiple of dollars in return through wages, the purchase of goods and services and through additional taxes and fees.
Mayor Phil Suess, City of Wheaton, President of DuPage Mayors and Managers Conference
We implore our legislators to Invest in Communities to provide needed funding for whatever each municipality needs most. Road and sidewalk repair, stormwater projects, public safety pensions, and essential services like snow removal and code enforcement depend on this investment.
Kevin Burns, Chair, Metropolitan Mayors Caucus, Mayor of Geneva
Non-home rule municipalities, unlike their home rule counterparts, have limited options to ensure revenues match rising costs. After years of doing more with less, restoring LGDF will ensure we have the resources to continue exceeding the expectations of our residents and local businesses.
Mayor Jerry Bennett, City of Palos Hills, President of Southwest Conference of Mayors
We urge the General Assembly to restore LGDF, the local share of the income taxes paid by our residents and businesses, enabling local leaders to invest in projects and services that are most needed in our communities.
Tom Dailly, President of Village of Schaumburg, President of Northwest Municipal Conference
Cities, villages, and counties utilize LGDF revenue to foster community growth by funding infrastructure, community services, public safety, and economic development. Increasing LGDF not only benefits our local economy but also boosts state revenues, all while strengthening our businesses and improving quality of life for our residents.
Mayor Ronald J. Gardiner, Village of Glenwood, President of South Suburban Mayors and Managers Association
Restoring the Local Government Distributive Fund is an investment in our communities, funding local projects and community services without raising taxes.
Mayor Nandia Black, Mayor of Kildeer, President of Lake County Municipal League
LGDF reduces our reliance on property taxes by providing a stable source of revenue to support essential services our residents depend on, including road and sidewalk repairs, snow removal, stormwater management, and the salaries and pensions of our first responders.
Mike Reid, President of Village of Hampshire and President of Metro West Council of Government

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Become an engaged citizen by learning about LGDF.

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Contact Your Legislators

Reach out to your local lawmakers and urge them to pass legislation that will restore LGDF funding to your community.

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Who Is Supporting This Effort?

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Contact Your Legislators

If you're interested in advocating for your community, reaching out to your State Representatives and Senators can be a powerful way to make your voice heard. You can then reach out to them via email, phone, or social media to express your concerns and make your case for the community. Remember, the more engaged citizens are in the political process, the more responsive and effective government can be.

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