Gordon, Dugan held hearing at college on state budget

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KANKAKEE - State Representatives Careen Gordon, D-Morris, and Lisa Dugan, D-Bradley, conducted a public Illinois House budget hearing Monday evening, March 24 at Kankakee Community College. In the face of an estimated $750 million deficit for the current fiscal year and challenging economic conditions forecast for the next, the hearing gave attendees the opportunity to learn more about state finances and comment on what should be budget priorities. Also, the event sought advice for ways to increase government efficiency and reduce costs. “The hearing provided an effective tool for raising awareness of the projected state budget shortfall, and the high-priority needs in our area that deserve state funding,” Gordon said. “I am committed to staying connected to how these decisions impact local families. I will continue fighting to bring increased transparency to the process of allocating hard-earned taxpayer dollars.” House members will use the information gathered at 19 similar statewide regional hearings to help direct lawmakers' efforts to construct a fiscally responsible and balanced budget. A presentation by a House Democratic Research staffer explained how the state generates revenues and allocates taxpayers' dollars was followed by questions and comments from the public.