Barrington-area Lawmakers Talk Taxes, Schools & State Budget at Annual Legislative Breakfast

Guests heard from Barrington-area lawmakers during the annual Legislative Breakfast hosted by The Barrington Area Chamber of Commerce (BACC), Barrington Area Council of Governments (BACOG) and Barrington 220 School District. This year’s event was held Oct. 7 at Makray Memorial Golf Course.

Photo by Living60010

State Senators and Representatives representing all parts of the Barrington area were invited to the event. Representative Tom Morrison, Senator Dan McConchie, Representative Tom Morrison and Representative Ed Sullivan were in attendance. The lawmakers took questions from moderators on a variety of topics including the state budget, pension reform, taxes and school funding. Moderators from BACC, BACOG and Barrington 220 helped facilitate the conversation.

When asked the key to compromise in the Illinois House and Senate, lawmakers at the table had important ideas and suggestions to offer. Senator McConchie said there is support from Democrats and Republicans on new ways to address school funding. Representative Morrison agreed, but added the only way to achieve that goal is to offer relief to school districts for unfunded mandates. Representative Sullivan added that pension reform is something all sides agree needs to be looked at. Representative McSweeney agreed with Sullivan and added that term limits and redistricting reforms are things he would like to address.

Those in attendance also had the opportunity to ask questions of lawmakers by submitting cards to facilitators.

Barrington area constituents will have the opportunity to hear from the Presidents and Mayors of the surrounding villages at the Barrington Area Chamber of Commerce’s annual Economic Summit held in February.

Founded in 1969, the Barrington Area Chamber of Commerce is an association of 800+ member businesses representing more than 18,000 business people dedicated to the prosperity of the 11 communities it serves: Barrington, Barrington Hills, Deer Park, Inverness, Kildeer, Lake Barrington, Long Grove, North Barrington, Port Barrington, South Barrington and Tower Lakes. The BACC promotes economic opportunities, advocates for business interests, offers professional development programs, and works to foster a robust regional economy.