Bill Text: IL SR0101 | 2009-2010 | 96th General Assembly | Introduced

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Bill Title: Creates the Senate Committee on Deficit Reduction to study all aspects of the budget deficit.

Sponsorship: Partisan Bill (Democrat 2)

Status: (Passed) 2009-02-26 - Resolution Adopted; 057-000-000 [SR0101 Detail]

Download: Illinois-2009-SR0101-Introduced.html

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SR0101 LRB096 11704 HLH 22407 r
SENATE RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, The State of Illinois faces an unprecedented
budget and fiscal crisis that jeopardizes the operation of
State government and the proper delivery of State services; and
WHEREAS, The Commission on Government Forecasting and
Accountability (COGFA) indicated on February 5, 2009 that the
revenue shortfall for the current fiscal year will be no less
than $2.4 billion; and
WHEREAS, The current Fiscal Year 2009 estimated revenue
shortfall and budget deficit are due to many factors
predominantly related to the Nation's economic conditions; and
WHEREAS, Regardless of the current fiscal condition of the
State, State government is responsible for continuing to
provide health care services necessary to maintain the
well-being of every Illinois citizen; and
WHEREAS, Regardless of the current fiscal condition of the
State, State government is responsible for continuing to
provide sustainable funding to support the public education
system; and
WHEREAS, The State's Fiscal Year 2010 required pension

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contribution totals $4.1 billion; and
WHEREAS, The Illinois Comptroller has identified that, at
the end of Fiscal Year 2009, the State of Illinois will have a
backlog of bills totaling $4.5 billion; and
WHEREAS, Regardless of the current fiscal condition of the
State, State government has the responsibility of paying its
bills on time and identifying unnecessary spending; therefore,
be it
RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE NINETY-SIXTH GENERAL
ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that a Senate Committee on
Deficit Reduction is created and charged with the task of
studying all aspects of the estimated budget deficit and
revenue shortfall, including, but not limited to: the fiscal
costs associated with education, healthcare, pensions, and the
operation of State government and departments within State
government, as well as all revenue sources that support State
government; and be it further
RESOLVED, That the Committee shall be made up of 10
members: 5 shall be appointed by the President of the Senate
and 5 shall be appointed by the Minority Leader of the Senate;
and be it further

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RESOLVED, That the Committee shall have Co-Chairpersons,
one appointed by the President of the Senate and one appointed
by the Minority Leader of the Senate; Co-Chairpersons shall not
be of the same caucus and shall serve at the pleasure of the
caucus leader making the appointment; and be it further
RESOLVED, That meetings of the Committee shall be posted
and open to the public in accordance with Senate Rules; and be
it further
RESOLVED, That the Committee may call upon Constitutional
Officers, the Governor's Office of Management and Budget, the
Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability, State
Pensions Systems, representatives of public employees,
advocates, and any additional agencies or groups as the
Committee sees fit in order to hear testimony and gather
details and information relating to the purposes of the
Committee; and be it further
RESOLVED, That the Committee shall be appointed no later
than 1 week after the adoption of this resolution, and the
Committee shall submit a report no later than March 25, 2009 to
the President of the Senate and the Minority Leader of the
Senate.