This year's legislative session ended in a stunning victory for park and conservation advocates across the state of Illinois when the OSLAD/NAAF received full funding.

On February 18, 2004, Governor Blagojevich indicated his intention of putting OSLAD/NAAP on holiday for a year and in doing so initiated one of the strongest legislative efforts of parks and conservation organizations across the state of Illinois to protect these programs (see Lynn McClure's story on page 64).

In the end, more than 150 organizations joined the Partners for Parks and Wildlife coalition in support of future funding for OSLAD and NAAF. The key to this effort was protecting the funding formula that has created these model programs and given them a legacy of success.

Our gratitude goes to the Democratic and Republican legislative leadership in both the House and Senate and to members of both sides of the aisle who stood firm in their commitment to preserving open space funding in Illinois. Our gratitude also goes to each of you who took the time to write to your legislators and the governor on behalf of this critically important issue.

The OSLAD program continues to be the keystone to assisting local governments in protecting open space and providing outdoor recreational opportunities for citizens throughout Illinois.

On other fronts ...

Bid Limits

On August 10, Governor Blagojevich signed House Bill 4469, which increases the bid limits for park districts and forest preserve districts from $10,000 to $20,000. This legislation becomes effective on January 1, 2005.

The new authority granted by Public Act 93-897 goes a long way in saving taxpayer dollars and will enhance the efficiency of the purchasing process in all park districts and forest preserves.

Defibrillators

On August 12, the governor signed into law Public Act 93-910 that requires indoor fitness facilities to develop and implement a plan for responding to medical emergencies and to file a copy of the plan with the Department of Public Health. In addition, it requires every facility to have at least one automatic external defibrillator (AED) on the facility's premises and to have an AED trained user on staff. This legislation was amended in the Illinois Senate to extend the deadline for implementation to July 1, 2006. Watch for additional information and educational programs on how this public act affects your agency.

Liquor

Public Act 93-844 gives conservation districts the authority to authorize the sale of alcoholic beverages on property owned by the district, subject to the approval of the governing board. Other restrictions also apply. This new authority will enhance the usability of conservation district property for special events and other such purposes. The governor signed the measure into law on July 30, and it took effect that day.

Homestead Exemption Increase and Residential Property Tax Increase Limitation

Also passed into law on July 12 was Senate Bill 2112 (Public Act 93-715), which limits the annual increase in a residential property's taxable assessed value to no more than seven percent of the previous year by increasing the homestead exemption. A significant change that state lawmakers added during negotiations limits the exemption to $20,000. The seven percent provision will last for three years, starting for Cook County with tax bills mailed this fall. The general homestead exemption will rise to $5,000 from $3,500. The senior citizen homestead exemption will increase to $3,000 from $2,500, while the household income limit for eligibility for the senior freeze exemption will grow to $45,000 from $40,000. Further, the four-year exemption for homeowners who make improvements to their property will increase to $75,000 a year from $45,000.

10 - Illinois Parks and Recreation

The Effects Public Act 93-71 5 Concerning the Homestead Exemption and Residential Property Tax Increase Limitation Provisions that take effect for tax year 2003 (bills mailed this fall in Cook County): • Cap assessment increases 7 percent per year. • Provide a sunset review after three years (2006 reassessment cycle). Provisions that take effect for tax year 2004 (bills mailed in 2005). • Increase the general homestead exemption to $5,000. • Increase the senior citizen homestead exemption to $3,000. • Increase to $45,000 the household income eligibility ceiling for the senior freeze exemption. • Increase the home improvement exemption from $45,000 to $75,000.

Youth Umpire Bill

Governor Blagojevich signed legislation that makes it easier for local sports leagues to recruit youth to officiate at games. On July 13, 2004, the governor signed Public Act 93-720 into law. It took effect immediately.

Minority Leader Frank Watson of Greenville and State Senator Bill Brady of Bloomington sponsored the bill in the Illinois Senate. State Representative Bob Flider of Mount Zion sponsored the measure in the House.

State child labor law required a parent or guardian to accompany a 12- or 13-year-old minor who was officiating at a youth sports activity. The new law amends that to allow a parent or guardian to designate another adult, such as a coach or league official, to accompany the minor in order to meet the requirement of the law.

September/October 2004 - 11