August 16, 2013
To the Honorable Members of the Illinois House of
Representatives,
98th General Assembly:
I hereby return
House Bill 2454 with specific recommendations for change.
Our democracy is
always strongest when more people make their voices heard. As Governor, my job
is to defend our democracy and always protect the right of citizens to express
their concerns, put forth their ideas, and do what they can to improve their
lives and their communities.
A portion of this
bill is consistent with these efforts, as it requires townships to increase the
notice period for public meetings from 10 days to 15 days. The bill also
requires the agenda for the township’s annual meeting to be adopted fifteen
days in advance of the meeting. I commend the sponsors for advancing these
provisions, which will give busy citizens a greater opportunity to attend and
participate in township meetings.
However, this
legislation simultaneously silences the voices of the citizens by limiting the
topics which may be the subject of advisory referenda. By restricting the
public policy issues which may be raised via referenda to those “directly
related to the business of the township,” this bill undercuts the democratic
process. While the business of the township is no doubt important, other issues
are of equal or greater importance to the citizens, such as health care and the
minimum wage. Our citizens must be able to weigh in and address those issues as
well.
Government belongs
to the people. We must do all we can to ensure they have the opportunity to
make their voices heard on these important issues.
Therefore,
pursuant to Article IV, Section 9(e) of the Illinois Constitution of 1970, I
hereby return House Bill 2454, entitled “AN ACT concerning local government.”,
with the following specific recommendations for change:
On page 1, line 5, by replacing “Sections 30-10,
30-50, and 30-205” with “Sections 30-10 and 30-50”; and
On
page 7 by deleting lines 1 through 10.
With
these changes, House Bill 2454 will have my approval. I respectfully request
your concurrence.
Sincerely,
Pat Quinn
GOVERNOR
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