November 9, 2017

To the Honorable Members of

The Illinois Senate,

100th General Assembly:

Today I veto Senate Bill 734 from the 100th General Assembly, which increases the number of terms that an individual can serve as a member of the Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Board.

Illinoisans deserve elected and appointed public servants at all levels of government who are accountable and innovative. I have long believed that term limits can help root out corruption, support true public service, and rebuild citizens’ confidence in their government.

Legislation like Senate Bill 734 contradicts these principles and allows the status quo to be locked into place, resulting in outcomes that are antithetical to good governance and the public interest. Rather than amending our laws to extend the term limits we already have for certain appointments, the legislature should promote term limits for elected officials to help restore trust in Illinois’ government and encourage more Illinoisans to consider a life in public service.

Therefore, pursuant to Section 9(b) of Article IV of the Illinois Constitution of 1970, I hereby return Senate Bill 734, entitled “AN ACT concerning local government”, with the foregoing objections, vetoed in its entirety.

Sincerely,

Bruce Rauner

GOVERNOR