August 22, 2014

To the Honorable Members of the

Illinois Senate, 98^th General Assembly:

I hereby return Senate Bill 3507 with specific recommendations for change.

Senate Bill 3507 is a response to a lack of parity in water and sewer connection charges throughout the State.  The bill is an effort to address situations where exorbitant connection charges have been issued. 

While the bill seeks to institute parity in water and sewer connection charges amongst townships and municipalities, it is important to acknowledge that connection fees are used to maintain and improve water infrastructure.  A potential consequence of the bill is a severe limitation on the amount municipalities and townships can charge in connection fees, which could force them, in order to make up for the loss of revenue in connection fees, to increase water and sewer rates for all users of the system.

The sponsors of Senate Bill 3507 have requested an amendatory veto to strike the language covering municipalities.  I have been assured that efforts will be undertaken later this year to reach an agreement with representatives of municipalities on trailer legislation providing for fair connection charges.

Therefore, pursuant to Article IV, Section 9(e) of the Illinois Constitution of 1970, I return Senate Bill 3507, entitled “AN ACT concerning local government.” with the following specific recommendations for change:

on page 2, by deleting lines 20 through 24; and

on page 3, by deleting lines 1 through 16.

With these changes, Senate Bill 3507 will have my approval.  I respectfully request your concurrence.

Sincerely,

PAT QUINN

Governor