SPRINGFIELD – A plan to give Lake County voters the say in who runs their county’s $500 million operation was vetoed today by Governor Rauner.

The plan, Senate Bill 669, would have allowed for voters to have a referendum in 2018 to determine if their county board chairman should be elected countywide. Currently, the chairman is selected amongst the board members themselves. 

“The voters should have a say on how they want to elect their county board chairman,” State Senator Terry Link (D-Vernon Hills) said. “I am disappointed the governor would veto a plan that gives the voters a chance to have more control in who runs their county government.”

SPRINGFIELD – Legislation that would significantly reform the worst-in-the-nation school funding system is closer to becoming law after the Illinois Senate voted to override the governor’s veto on Sunday.

“Schools like Waukegan needed certainty and stability in funding,” State Senator Terry Link (D-Vernon Hills) said. “Unfortunately, the governor’s plan relies on poor math and hammering communities that are promoting economic development. We need a system that is stable and provides communities with the resources we need. That plan is Senate Bill 1.”

The measure would include an increase of $28 million for Lake County schools when compared to last year.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Terry Link (D-Vernon Hills) issued the following statement in response to the governor’s veto of Senate Bill 1:

“I am disappointed that the governor has decided to put politics before our children’s education. Now the General Assembly has to act and find a way to equitably fund education for every child in Illinois. I look forward to working with members on both sides of the aisle to ensure our schools are not harmed by the governor’s mistake.”

Gurnee – State Senator Terry Link (D-Vernon Hills) issued the following statement in response to the governor’s visit to Lake County to assess the damage done by the devastating flooding that occurred this week:

“I am glad to see the governor has finally decided to come see the devastation that Gurnee, Lincolnshire and many other communities are facing. Our communities have been severely harmed by these floods and the need for relief is immediate. The last thing Lake County needs is a continued delayed reaction.

“Lake County is just now starting to repair the damage done and with more flooding on the way, I hope the governor realizes today that our needs are dire. I am hopeful that he can help us utilize any available resources to continue the relief effort.”