August 12, 2005

To the Honorable Members of the

Illinois Senate

94th General Assembly

Pursuant to Article IV, Section 9(b) of the Illinois Constitution of 1970, I hereby veto

Senate Bill 272, entitled “AN ACT concerning local government.”   Senate Bill 272 allows a non-home rule municipality to increase sales taxes after approved by referendum.  I understand that forty communities have imposed sales taxes under this section of the law and I believe the current ½% limit is prudent.  The challenge, which we have faced throughout state government, is to fund important services and programs without asking the people of Illinois to pay more in taxes.  I remain committed to this principle and cannot support legislation that asks for an increase in taxes.

            For this reason, I hereby veto and return Senate Bill 272.

Sincerely,

ROD R. BLAGOJEVICH

Governor