Oppose Increasing the Cost of Providing Local Government Services
Unfunded and under-funded mandates are intrusive and costly. They generally result in situations where local governments must either cut services or raise local taxes in order to pay for them. The Mayors of the Chicago region are extremely concerned that the State will expand the use of mandates or pass on the cost of government programs and services traditionally provided by the State to local governments as possible solutions to its budget problems.
Caucus Position
The Mayors Caucus strongly urges Governor Rauner and the General Assembly to avoid exercising either of these options. This might bail out the State, but it will just add to the burden of local governments. No legislation should be adopted which increases the costs of providing public services for local governments.