Public is invited to budget hearing

Before we can begin work on next year's budget, lawmakers and the governor have to make difficult decisions to close a deficit projected to be $750 million for the fiscal year ending June 30.

With that challenge in mind, the Illinois House of Representatives will hold a regional budget hearing to give social service providers, local governments, health care facilities, school districts, colleges, labor unions, business groups and civic organizations an opportunity to offer their views on our funding priorities. Lawmakers' goal is to increase transparency in the state budget process and encourage greater citizen participation.