Pritzker’s Latest Power Grab Targets Local Governments

Governor JB Pritzker has spent months attacking the federal government for overreach. Yet here in Illinois, he continues to push proposals that do the very same thing, taking away critical funding and stripping local control from communities across our state. Time and again, Governor Pritzker has tried to centralize more power in Springfield while leaving local governments with fewer resources and less authority. 

Just look at his latest proposals: 

Local Government Distributive Fund (LGDF) Funding Cut

• Governor Pritzker is proposing another cut to the Local Government Distributive Fund (LGDF), which would take roughly $60 million away from municipalities and counties across Illinois. 
• These funds support essential local services such as emergency response, public works, and public safety.
• LGDF funding helps communities offset costs so local leaders can keep property taxes and fees lower for residents. LGDF accounts for 25% of costs for the day-to-day operations of cities and villages.
• When Springfield takes away these funds, local governments are left with fewer options and families are often left paying the price.

Building up Illinois Developments (BUILD) Illinois Strips Away Local Control

• During his budget address, Governor Pritzker proposed a sweeping zoning overhaul that would limit local governments’ authority over what can be built in their communities.
• The proposal would restrict municipalities’ ability to control development on property zoned for residential use.
• By weakening local input, Springfield politicians would gain more power to dictate what gets built in communities across Illinois.
• Illinois communities vary widely, and a one-size-fits-all mandate from Springfield will not solve every community’s housing challenges.

As Governor Pritzker moves to strip away funding and local control from municipalities across Illinois, he continues to centralize more power in Springfield. House Republicans are pushing back against Governor Pritzker’s proposals by advancing legislation such as Rep. Moore’s HB 4294 to fully fund the LGDF.