August 25, 2015

To the Honorable Members of

The Illinois House of Representatives,

99th General Assembly:

Today I return Senate Bill 1854 with a specific recommendation for change.

Among other changes, Senate Bill 1854 would allow the North Shore Water Reclamation District Board of Trustees to increase its own compensation. The State of Illinois is facing an unprecedented fiscal crisis, and all levels of government should make every effort to rein in spending. Under these circumstances, statutes should not be changed to allow elected officials to give themselves raises. I recommend that portion of Senate Bill 1854 be deleted.

Therefore, pursuant to Section 9(e) of Article IV of the Illinois Constitution of 1970, I hereby return Senate Bill 1854, entitled “AN ACT concerning local government”, with the following specific recommendation for change:

On page 15, line 19, by deleting “Notwithstanding”; and

On page 15, by deleting lines 20 through 25; and

On page 15, line 26, by deleting “in compensation is adopted by the board.”.

With this change, Senate Bill 1854 will have my approval. I respectfully request your concurrence.

Sincerely,

Bruce Rauner

GOVERNOR