Springfield, IL - Senator Radogno recently attended one of the 19 budget hearings that were held throughout the state to encourage public opposition to the Governor's $460 million in state budget vetoes.

Hundreds of residents attended the September 27 hearing to learn more about the cuts, while others came to provide testimony on how the many cuts to important state funded programs--including health and human services, senior care, education and many other vital services.

The Illinois House met in Springfield on Monday, October 1 to hear further testimony from advocates who are urging the Illinosi House to override the governor's vetoes.

Governor Blagojevich said the revenue from the cuts would be used to fund his universal health care plan, and contended that he only vetoed wasteful programs, or those that the state cannot afford at this time. However, Radogno noted that many of the cuts were to important health care programs that were operating succesfully, but will now be forced to function with less revenue and reduced service capacity.

The Illinois House and Senate will meet the first two weeks of October for the Fall Veto session. A number of important issues are expected to be considered including the bail out of the CTA and RTA, a capitol funding proposal, and property taxes in Cook County.

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