Photo: Brian Larson

Worst Bill Ever: Tell Gov. Quinn to veto subsidies

Release Date:  Tuesday, June 16, 2009

Details:

Described variously as “TIF on steroids” or “Worst Bill Ever,” SB 1909 — the STAR bonds Financing Act - gives money to private developers at Illinois state taxpayers’ expense to develop in the 100-year floodplain because such sites are more likely to remain underutilized and undeveloped. Eligible sites must be vacant and no less than 600 acres, at least 30 per cent of which is in the 100-year floodplain.

According to State floodplain management officials, Illinois is one of the nation’s most flood-prone states, with flooding currently costing the State more than $250 million a year. Development in flood-prone areas has caused an increasing level of damage and destruction. Preservation of floodplain reduces the number and severity of floods, helps handle stormwater runoff and minimizes nonpoint water pollution. Floodplains frequently contain large tracts of wetlands and provide critical wildlife habitat. Wetlands store and filter floodwaters and help recharge aquifers.

The Illinois Department of Revenue says STAR bond districts could cost the state $15 million per project per year. There are multiple sites throughout the state that could be eligible. Such projects would be unwise anytime, but especially so when the state already has an enormous deficit and faces severe budget cuts. STAR bonds projects can also harm nearby communities, both financially and environmentally.

The bill has already passed both the Senate and the House and is on its way to the Governor. Governor Pat Quinn has been a longtime champion of river ecosystems and wise floodplain management. SB 1909 promotes sprawl, rewards private developers for irresponsible floodplain development on the backs of taxpayers, and goes against everything we have learned over the years about floodplain management.

Ask Gov. Quinn to protect communities, the environment, wildlife and taxpayer dollars. Ask him to deny special funding for private developers and VETO SB 1909—the STAR bonds bill.

You can call Governor Quinn at 217.782-0244 or 312.814-2121. You can also contact him at his website here.