Illinois' budget crisis has caused Governor Rauner to propose making cuts in local governments.

The Local Government Distributive Fund (LGDF) has been in place since 1969 and shifts percentages of income tax back to cities and counties. Lincoln Mayor Keith Snyder explains, as of now, eight percent of those funds come back to local communities. He notes the governor plans to cut the LGDF fund in half.

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Local communities could see a reduction of close to fifty dollars per resident due to the cuts, which are unrestricted and usually go to support local police and fire departments. Mayor Snyder says the size of community would determine the cuts.

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LGDF funds help to operate a city's government and Mayor Snyder says these proposed cuts could result in reduction of certain city services. Despite the proposal, he feels confident the Governor can meet the needs of Lincoln and surrounding communities.

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Lincoln is in the process of putting their budget together by the end of April. Snyder adds the LGDF funds are usually are a large portion of the budget and is hopeful local legislators can find a solution that will help assist the Illinois economy while protecting local communities.