It’s no secret that Illinois is currently facing some very difficult budget challenges at the state level. It’s also no secret by now that nearly every other state in the nation is facing some kind of budget shortfall, too. However, judging by a recent informal ploy to drum up support for a plan that would slash the Local Government Distributive Fund by $300 million, some must not realize that nearly every municipality in Illinois is also struggling to make it through these difficult times.

Like my local mayors, I have been an outspoken advocate against plans to cut revenue from municipalities. Local governments have made reductions to cope with budget shortfalls and most of their budgets already go toward providing essential services. If this additional revenue was taken away, the only place left to cut would be letting go of firefighters and police officers.

Withholding local revenues would impact every single citizen in Illinois, about $23.40 per person to be exact. Sure, I absolutely believe that we’re all in this together and we need to share in the sacrifice in one way or another; but I refuse to support a plan, like this, that puts public safety in jeopardy.