Annual Legislative Luncheon

Annual Legislative Forum
Monday, June 24

Crowne Plaza Chicago Northbrook
2875 Milwaukee Avenue

11:45 a.m. – 1:15 p.m.
$30 advance reservation/$35 at the door

Four of Northbrook’s state representatives will review the highlights and challenges of the current legislative session at the Chamber’s annual June legislative wrap-up lunch.  Illinois Senators Julie Morrison (D-29) and Daniel Biss (D –9) along with Representatives Elaine Nekritz (D-57) and Robyn Gabel (D-18) and will each briefly discuss their legislative priorities and comment on a number of other hot topics in Springfield.
            With continuing concerns about the state’s finances, the legislators are expected to comment on pension reform, the biggest, most publicized issue in the recent session.  They will also comment on steps the General Assembly has taken to address its fiscal challenges, and explain their legislative priorities, including education, environmental initiatives and ethics reform.
            First elected ten years ago, Elaine Nekritz, is currently serving her 6^th term and was recently elected House Assistant Majority Leader. The district has been extended to include a larger portion of the western half of Northbrook.  An acknowledged expert and leader in the area of pension reform, Nekritz is chair of the House Personnel and Pensions Committee and is often sought after for her expertise by numerous media outlets.  “There is simply no bigger problem facing our state than the enormous, catastrophically growing debt in our state workers’ pension funds,” according to Nekritz, who will review the pros and cons and differences between the House and Senate bills which passed the Illinois legislature this year.
            Rep Gabel was first elected to the House in 2010 and is serving her second term.  The district now includes the eastern portion of Northbrook.  She chairs the Human Services Committee and also serves on the Business Growth and Incentives Committee.  Her legislative priorities include the state’s responsibility to equitably implement provisions the Affordable Health Care Act, legislation to address climate change, the development of green energy jobs, and proposals to encourage economic development.
Both Senators Biss and Morrison are freshman Senators elected in the fall of 2012 to represent in newly drawn districts.  Sen. Biss’s district now includes the eastern half of Northbrook.  Biss, also an acknowledge leader in pension reform, will explain key elements of his pension reform proposal that were included in the final bill passed by the Senate.  Recently the Senate approved legislation he sponsored to abolish the electoral boards that hear nominating petition challenges in local races.  He recently introduced a bill to require state universities to enact an “open access” policy to make taxpayer-funded research available to the public.  Biss, a former mathematics professor, previously represented the 17^th House District.  He serves on several education committees as well as committees with oversight on pension and the environment.
Sen. Morrison represents Northbrook, west of Pfingsten Road and north of Willow.  Legislation she cosponsored that would close loopholes in state lobbying laws, requires lobbyists to fully disclose their clients.  She also cosponsored legislation with IL. Rep. Scott Drury to address ethics reform and good government policies.  Other priorities include creating employment opportunities and stimulating the economy to encourage new business. Previously Morrison was Supervisor of West Deerfield Township for 15 years. 
            Following their brief comments, there will be plenty of time for questions and answers.  Cost for the luncheon is $30 in advance and $35 at the door.  To make a reservation call the Chamber at (847)498-5555.