Springfield, IL… State Representative David Leitch (R-Peoria) said full funding of Illinois’ Soil and Water Conservation Districts is imperative to protecting our water and soil sources from contamination and erosion. The lawmaker said he is disappointed Governor Blagojevich has only released $1.7 million of the $7.4 million in General Revenue Funds that were appropriated to the organization through the Fiscal Year 2008 budget.
“The SWCD is dedicated to preserving our rivers, streams, lakes, and other water sources from urban influences, agricultural chemicals, and sediment. $7.4 million is only a small investment for the state in comparison to the $250 million provided to the SWCD by the federal farm bill and other sources,” said Leitch. “We have made a commitment to fund these districts in the budget, and we must stand by that commitment. All the governor needs to do is direct the state comptroller to release the remaining resources.”
Leitch joined other Illinois House Republican members in sending a letter to the governor encouraging him to release the remaining $5.75 million appropriated in the FY08 budget for operational costs at the state’s 98 SWCDs. He said many of the SWCDs have already been forced cut hours for employees, and they may start laying off workers or closing doors if the organization does not receive full funding by mid to late June.
“The governor continues to discuss job creation in Illinois, however he has failed to fully fund the SWCD for employee salaries,” said Leitch. “By simply releasing these funds which have already been appropriated in the current budget, we can ensure the SWCD’s nearly 250 employees continue to have jobs.”