Ludicrous,” “ridiculous” and “plain crazy” are a few of the ways that Southland mayors describe the latest development in Springfield.
They’re referring to a proposal by Gov. Bruce Rauner to offer low-interest state loans to municipalities that are suffering financially because the state has refused to release money it collects on behalf of towns such as revenue from the motor fuel tax, video gambling and 911 fees.
The governor’s office announced the plan after Democratic lawmakers passed a bill out of a House committee to release millions of dollars in local funds the state has withheld from municipalities since the budget impasse began in June. The legislature isn’t expected to vote on the bill until it reconvenes next month…Please click here to read Phil Kadner’s column in the Tribune/Daily Southtown.