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Vol. 8, Issue: 17| May 25, 2015
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"Last Week" of the 2015 Spring Session
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The Illinois General Assembly is scheduled to adjourn by May 31, but none of the major legislative issues have yet to be resolved. The Republican Governor Bruce Rauner and his legislative allies are insisting on numerous structural changes in state and local government before agreeing to negotiate a 2016 fiscal year budget. The Democrats controlling both chambers of the Illinois General Assembly are insisting that the Governor negotiate additional taxes and appropriate budget cuts before committing to any structural reforms. With only days remaining in the scheduled session, it appears unlikely that the two parties will come together.
The big issues to be resolved are: (1) closing a projected $6 billion budget deficit with some combination of spending cuts and additional revenue; (2) a new approach to state pension reform following the invalidation of the previous legislation by the Illinois Supreme Court; (3) yet another proposed expansion of casino gaming; and (4) a major capital construction program. The Governor has called for this "Turnaround Agenda" to be approved before these big issues will be considered. The Governor's agenda includes the following:
Tort Reform
House Bill 4222 and Senate Bill 884 (senate amendment #1)
This proposal would limit where civil lawsuits could be filed in the state. It would only apply joint and several liability to defendants if proven to be at least 50% responsible (currently 25%). It would limit recovery for the cost of medical care to only the actual amount paid, not the amount originally billed.
Workers Compensation Reform
House Bill 4223 and Senate Bill 994 (senate amendment #1)
This proposal would restrict workers compensation claims to only those where the injury was at least 50% a result of activities at the place of employment. It would eliminate recovery if the injury resulted from "personal" or "neutral" cause. It would limit recovery from injuries when traveling for employment, and would further reduce the fees paid to medical providers in workers compensation cases.
Property Tax Freeze and Unfunded Mandate Relief
House Bill 4224 and Senate Bill 1046 (senate amendment #1)
This proposal would apply the Property Tax Extension Limitation Act (Tax Caps) to every single local government and school district in the state and freeze the actual tax levy at the 2015 amount. Unless approved by the voters at a referendum, the levy would be permanently frozen. The proposal would also limit the subjects that could be collectively bargained by local government and school district employees and exclude local government contracts from the requirement to pay prevailing wages.
Term Limits
House Joint Resolution Constitutional Amendment 39 and Senate Joint Resolution Constitutional Amendment 14
If approved by the Illinois General Assembly and subsequently by the voters, the amendment would limit legislators to a maximum of 10 years as legislators, and state executive officials to a maximum of 8 years as a state executive official.
Legislative Redistricting
House Joint Resolution Constitutional Amendment 40 and Senate Joint Resolution Constitutional Amendment 15
If approved by the Illinois General Assembly and subsequently by the voters, the amendment would establish an independent commission to draw legislative district boundaries.
With the Governor and Legislative Leaders at a stalemate, it is likely that the Spring 2015 session will extend beyond May 31 and perhaps well into the summer. ILA will continue to monitor these developments and issue a Call to Action, if appropriate. We might have to act quickly.
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| Illinois Library Laws & Rules in Effects April 2015 |  Reflecting all changes to laws affecting libraries passed by the Illinois General Assembly since the previous 2012 edition, including changes to administrative rules. Recommended for all library trustees, directors, and others charged with library administration and compliance ILA Member $25 Nonmember $50
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In the News
Library-related stories appearing in local news media are reflected in this section of the ILA E-Newsletter. The intent is to alert and inform the Illinois library community about issues and events that are considered significant by the general media.
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It Isn't Just Illinois: Other States Are Struggling to Balance Budgets
To read this article, please click here.
Old Aurora Public Library Building Closes for GoodTo read this article, please click here. Hampshire Approves Release of Impact Fees for Johnson LibraryTo read this article, please click here. Friends Group Steps Up to Aid Evanston Public LibraryTo read this article, please click here. Circulation Up as Library Patrons Check Out Free ServicesTo read this article, please click here. New Director at Cook Memorial LibraryTo read this article, please click here.Naperville Library Hires Firm to Help with Strategic Plan
To read this article, please click here. Naper Boulevard Library Reopens in Grand StyleTo read this article, please click here. Library Board Hires Architect for Nichols WorkTo read this article, please click here. Bloomingdale Library Completes RenovationTo read this article, please click here. If your library has a newspaper story with link, send it to us at
doyle@ila.org for possible inclusion in the next ILA E-Newsletter. Thanks.
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Sincerely,
Robert P. Doyle
Illinois Library Association |
Libraries of Illinois Risk Agency (LIRA) is a group insurance pool for ILA institutional members that offers potential savings for property, casualty, and workers compensation coverage for libraries. Click here to learn more.
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The Fund for Illinois Libraries was created in 1990 to help Illinois libraries in their fundraising efforts.
The purpose of the fund is to enable libraries to receive gifts from individuals or organizations that can only make donations to 501(c)(3) charitable organizations.
For more information, please click here.
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CALENDAR
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ILA Calendar EventsJune 12, 2015ILA Executive Board meeting, 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m., ILA, 33 W. Grand Ave., Ste. 401, Chicago
June 20, 2015
Deadline for October 2015 issue of the ILA Reporter.
July 10, 2015
iREAD Meeting,
11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m., Normal Public Library,200 College
Ave., Normal, Illinois
July 21, 2015
LIRA Full Membership Meeting, Arthur J. Gallagher & Co., Two Pierce Place, Room E & F, Itasca
July 23, 2015
ILA Executive Board meeting, 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m., Illinois State University Alumni Center, Normal, Illinois
July 24, 2015
ILA Orientation Session, 8:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m., Illinois State University Alumni Center, Normal, Illinois
August 20, 2015
Deadline for December 2015 issue of the ILA Reporter.
Guidelines for Submissions to the ILA Reporter.
UPCOMING
CONTINUING EDUCATION EVENTS
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