Legislative Wrap-up Luncheon

Legislators to Address Business Community at Annual Forum

Monday, June 18
Hilton Chicago Northbrook
2855 Milwaukee Ave.
11:45 a.m. – 1:15 p.m.
$25 advance reservation
$30 at the door

Three of Northbrook’s state legislators will review the highlights and challenges of the current legislative session at the Chamber’s annual June legislative wrap-up lunch. Illinois Senators Susan Garrett (D-29) along with Representatives Karen May (D-58) and Elaine Nekritz (D-57) 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 economy, the legislators are expected to comment on the ongoing debate about pension reform, proposals aimed at raising new revenue to address the state’s budget crisis, Medicaid reform, environmental initiatives and transportation projects.

Sen. Garrett is currently serving her third term in the Illinois Senate (2002 to present) and was named Majority Caucus Whip for the 97th General Assembly. She is Chair of the Environment Committee, Vice Chair of the Revenue Committee and serves on the Commerce, Education, Public Health and State Government and Veterans Affairs Committees. During her term in office, she has been an outspoken advocate for ensuring transparency and accountability in state government. She recently sponsored legislation aimed at disclosing more information about the owners of state-leased buildings and the third party contractors managing them. She is also the author of legislation to require the providers of deferred compensation plans or tax sheltered annuity plans offered by local units of government to fully disclose all fees and services to participants.

In the House, both Representatives May and Nekritz have been outspoken advocates for pension reform and have introduced legislation aimed at more transparency in government. Currently in her 5th term in the Illinois House, Rep. Nekritz serves as Chair of the Pensions Committee. She also serves as an official member of the Governor’s Pension Working Group and also part of another small pension working group of House members, which recently sent several pension reform recommendations to Governor Quinn. She is also sponsor of the “Eavesdropping bill” which would allow citizens to audio and video record police performing public duties in public places.

Rep. May, serving her sixth term, lists pension reform stabilizing, state finances and improving state government transparency as her priorities. Earlier this year she introduced legislation to reform the state pension systems, to promote government transparency, to lower health care costs for small businesses and to require prompt deposit of funds collected by the state. As the leader of the Green Caucus, she actively supports legislation that promotes renewable energy, and would create “green jobs.”
Both Sen. Garrett and Rep. May announced their intention last year to not run for re-election this fall. Rep. Nekritz is running for re-election in the newly drawn 57th district which includes a significant portion Northbrook.

Following their brief comments, there will be plenty of time for questions and answers. Cost for the luncheon is $25 in advance and $30 at the door. To make a reservation call the Chamber at (847)498-5555.