The Illinois Municipal League offers a unique opportunity for all municipal officials to participate in the legislative process in Springfield. Under the leadership of Executive Director Larry Frang, Past President and O’Fallon Mayor Gary Graham, and President and Springfield Mayor Tim Davlin, League staff has aggressively promoted municipal officials’ participation in the IML Capitol-for-a-Day program. The program involves municipal officials visiting Springfield and spending a day at the Statehouse with IML staff. More than 40 officials participated in the program during the past year. The League strongly believes that it is important for municipal officials to become more engaged with the General Assembly.

One example where local input is necessary is the protection of the Local Government Distributive Fund (LGDF). Local officials must weigh in and have their voices heard to keep the present formula and get their fair share of any increase for the State Shared Revenue for the LGDF. The League is keenly aware of that fund’s importance to municipal budgets. It is estimated that the LGDF funds anywhere from 15% to 45% of municipal budgets.

Highland Mayor Joe Michaelis is one of the many local officials that participated in Capitol-for-a-Day. Highland, a community of approximately 9,500 located in the Metro East area, is located on Route 160 a few miles from Interstate 70, and does not have a direct access to the interstate. Mayor Michaelis spent a considerable amount of time at the Statehouse working with his area legislators and others seeking the needed support for a road project. While at the Statehouse he visited with Senator Kyle McCarter (R-Lebanon), Representative Ron Stephens (R-Greenville) and Highland native Representative Jay Hoffman (D-Collinsville). A few weeks after the mayor’s visit to Springfield, the city was notified that $7.5 million was allocated as part of the Capital bill that passed and was signed into law in 2009. “I really enjoyed my day at the Capitol meeting legislators and others,” Michaelis said. “It was an enjoyable experience, one of which I will always remember. I found it to be extremely informative,” he added.

Bringing in the largest contingent to participate in the program in 2009 was Mt. Vernon, a city located in Southern Illinois with a population of more than 16,000. Interstates 57 and 64 intersect near the city. Mt. Vernon’s representatives included Mayor Mary Jane Chesley, City Manager Ron Neibert, Councilman Dennis McEnaney and Councilwoman Mary Burgan. Highlights of their day included attending a Senate Judiciary Committee meeting, Aurora’s Lobby Day Luncheon meeting, and attending a meeting on the need for a strong capital infrastructure program. At the capital bill meeting, they had the opportunity to interact with Rep. John Bradley (D-Marion).

“It was good to have the opportunity to see the state legislature in action and to be able to talk personally with Sen. John O. Jones and Rep. John Cavaletto,” Mayor Chesley said. She also reacquainted herself with Sen. Kwame Raoul (D-Chicago), whom she had previously met during his visit to Mt. Vernon as part of the Urban Exchange Program.

Peoria Councilman Ryan Spain serves as at-large council member from Peoria, a city with a population of more than 121,000. Spain spent a considerable amount of time on the Senate floor as a guest of Sen. Dave Koehler (D-Peoria) and Dale Risinger (R-Peoria). He also visited with area legislator Rep. Jehan Gordon (D-Peoria).

A potentially burdensome piece of legislation impacting government operated cemeteries was debated during his visit. Spain took a special interest in the legislation since the City of Peoria operates a cemetery. “I found it useful to see the League in action firsthand mobilizing resources to address issues important to the membership,” Spain said. “That was really impressive to see and very helpful to me from a learning perspective. It is really reassuring to know that our city is a member and the League is helping to look out for us,” he concluded.

The League would like to host more municipal officials in 2010. There are approximately 45 session days scheduled for the Spring Session. The first opportunities to participate are on January 12, 13 and 14. During the months of February through May, session generally convenes Tuesday through Thursday. The General Assembly will recess for a short period around the Easter holiday. Please e-mail Matt Davidson to schedule your visit. Feel free to bring along a colleague.

The League has established the following goals for those who participate: meet the IML staff and tour our offices; learn to navigate the IML website; gain an understanding of the daily legislative calendars; explain how one can offer assistance during IML testimony if they so desire; visit and explain the role of the Legislative Reference Bureau; observe the House and Senate in session; meet with your respective Senator and Representative; assist IML staff with lobbying legislators; attend committee hearings; assist the League by orienting the staff about the challenges and opportunities facing your community and area; and finally, the League is willing to assist with setting up any meetings with state agencies during your visit. Join us in providing a stronger municipal presence in Springfield.