October 5. 2007

Springfield … In a show of bipartisanship, the House voted to override many of Governor Blagojevich’s line item vetoes to the budget. State Representative Dennis Reboletti (R-Elmhurst) pointed to some of the appropriations that were restored for infrastructure, public safety and security improvements for the Village of Addison, Itasca and Wood Dale. Other programs that were restored by the House include: road construction projects for Villa Park, technology upgrades for Helen M. Plum Library in Lombard, funding for a local CILA group home for young adults with developmental disabilities in Elmhurst and the purchase of a facility along with a vehicle for special needs students at York High School in Elmhurst.

“These funds are extremely important to my district. I don’t understand how the Governor could cut out funds for organizations such as Easter Seals that provide physical rehabilitation and job training for individuals with disabilities,” said Representative Reboletti. “I am completely appalled that the Governor would also cut funding for safety and road improvements in my district. This administration has constantly sent the majority of taxpayer dollars to Chicago and has ignored my district and the rest of the state - this has to stop.

In August, the Illinois House & Senate had passed a bipartisan budget that would increase funding for education and fully fund the state’s pension contribution without raising taxes. Additional highlights of the state budget include: $600 million increase for education including $136.8 million for mandated categoricals and a $400 increase from $5,334 to $5,734 in the general state aid – foundation level.

“My hope is that Senate President Emil Jones will do the right thing and call these overrides for a vote instead of playing politics with the safety of the residents of this state,” Reboletti said

Additional questions can be directed to Rep. Reboletti at (630) 530-2730.



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