SR0101 96TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0101 LRB096 11704 HLH 22407 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The State of Illinois faces an unprecedented budget and fiscal crisis that jeopardizes the operation of State government and the proper delivery of State services; and

WHEREAS, The Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability (COGFA) indicated on February 5, 2009 that the revenue shortfall for the current fiscal year will be no less than $2.4 billion; and

WHEREAS, The current Fiscal Year 2009 estimated revenue shortfall and budget deficit are due to many factors predominantly related to the Nation's economic conditions; and

WHEREAS, Regardless of the current fiscal condition of the State, State government is responsible for continuing to provide health care services necessary to maintain the well-being of every Illinois citizen; and

WHEREAS, Regardless of the current fiscal condition of the State, State government is responsible for continuing to provide sustainable funding to support the public education system; and

WHEREAS, The State's Fiscal Year 2010 required pension contribution totals $4.1 billion; and

WHEREAS, The Illinois Comptroller has identified that, at the end of Fiscal Year 2009, the State of Illinois will have a backlog of bills totaling $4.5 billion; and

WHEREAS, Regardless of the current fiscal condition of the State, State government has the responsibility of paying its bills on time and identifying unnecessary spending; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE NINETY-SIXTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that a Senate Committee on Deficit Reduction is created and charged with the task of studying all aspects of the estimated budget deficit and revenue shortfall, including, but not limited to: the fiscal costs associated with education, healthcare, pensions, and the operation of State government and departments within State government, as well as all revenue sources that support State government; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the Committee shall be made up of 10 members: 5 shall be appointed by the President of the Senate and 5 shall be appointed by the Minority Leader of the Senate; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the Committee shall have Co-Chairpersons, one appointed by the President of the Senate and one appointed by the Minority Leader of the Senate; Co-Chairpersons shall not be of the same caucus and shall serve at the pleasure of the caucus leader making the appointment; and be it further

RESOLVED, That meetings of the Committee shall be posted and open to the public in accordance with Senate Rules; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the Committee may call upon Constitutional Officers, the Governor's Office of Management and Budget, the Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability, State Pensions Systems, representatives of public employees, advocates, and any additional agencies or groups as the Committee sees fit in order to hear testimony and gather details and information relating to the purposes of the Committee; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the Committee shall be appointed no later than 1 week after the adoption of this resolution, and the Committee shall submit a report no later than March 25, 2009 to the President of the Senate and the Minority Leader of the Senate.