In Illinois, Townships play a critical role in citizens’ day-to-day lives. Township Governments are responsible for maintaining more than 71,000 miles of road; providing food, shelter, and emergency relief for those in need; running Senior citizens programs; maintaining parks and recreational facilities; providing health services; more.
Without assistance, many Township Governments face the same budget shortfalls of City and County Governments. They may have to freeze or cut services. However, the current law does not make clear whether State-established Townships would qualify for pandemic-related State and local assistance.
On Friday, March 28, 2021, Congresswoman Cheri Bustos lead a call with fellow Illinois Congressional Members, for Illinois Townships to receive assistance available to other types of municipalities, through the Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund, established by the American Rescue Plan. Members of Congress who supported this initiative were Reps. Bobby Rush, Robin Kelly, Jesus “Chuy” Garcia, Sean Casten), Danny Davis, Raja Krishnamoorth, Jan Schakowsky, Brad Schneider, Bill Foster, and Lauren Underwood, plus Senator Dick Durbin.
“Illinois Townships play a vital role in our day-to-day lives,” wrote the lawmakers. “We urge you…to interpret…the law to the fullest extent practicable, so that Townships receive the support Congress intended them to receive. Given the critical role that Townships play in our State, we believe they merit direct allocation, from the Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund.”