|
South Suburban mayors, managers, and organizational partners gathered with state legislators and other elected officials this morning, Friday, February 7th, at Idlewild Country Club for the South Suburban Mayors and Managers Association’s (SSMMA) annual Legislative Breakfast. The event provided a forum for municipal officials to engage directly with state and county leaders on key policy issues affecting the Southland region.
The breakfast, structured as an open dialogue amongst Southland stakeholders, allowed SSMMA mayors and managers to showcase their legislative priorities and concerns, while participating legislators provided insight into the upcoming legislative session. The discussion centered on the challenges facing Southland communities, including property taxes, infrastructure needs, pension costs, and municipal revenue shortfalls.
State legislators, including Senator Michael E. Hastings (D-19th District), Senator Patrick J. Joyce (D-40th District), Representative William "Will" Davis (D-30th District), Representative Anthony DeLuca (D-80th District), Representative Debbie Meyers-Martin (D-38th District), and Cook County Commissioner Donna Miller (D-6th District), spoke at length about the legislative outlook for 2025. With an unpredictable White House, a looming state budget deficit, and increasing costs for Illinois residents, officials acknowledged the complexities ahead and pledged continued collaboration with Southland municipalities to address the many pressing issues. Mayors and managers stressed the urgency of securing restored LGDF funding, property tax stabilization, and ensuring municipal public safety pensions do not increase the financial burden on local governments and taxpayers.
Topics of the morning ranged from anticipated budget constraints to expansion of Home Rule authority to Lake Michigan water pricing, and more. Specific legislative initiatives were identified, including new legislation related to the South Suburban Airport project, which continues to face opposition from other parts of the state. Legislators and municipal officials reiterated their commitment to keeping the project on track, citing its economic and job-creation potential for the region. Other transportation-related legislation, such as the Metropolitan Mobility Authority Act was discussed, with participants emphasizing the need to ensure that the Southland has a fair voice in any future regional transit governance reforms.
One takeaway from the breakfast: SSMMA and its mayors and managers should be more vocal in conveying to lawmakers our needs and demands. This morning’s interactive format reinforced the importance of direct engagement between state lawmakers, county officials, and municipal leaders and making our voices heard.
SSMMA extends its gratitude to all attendees, sponsors, and partners who helped make the Legislative Breakfast a success. As the legislative session progresses, watch for emails and action alerts as we work to make sure regional and state leaders deliver to Southland communities the resources and policy solutions we need to thrive.
For more information visit SSMMA’s 2025 Legislative Priorities page. Photos from this morning's event can be seen here.
| 
