Rep. Welch Urges Governor Rauner to Restore OSLAD and PARC Grants
SPRINGFIELD, IL – Illinois State Rep. Chris Welch, D-Hillside, issued the following statement following a meeting between the House Black Caucus and Governor Bruce Rauner on Thursday:
“The Open Space Land Acquisition and Development (OSLAD) and Park and Recreational Facility Construction (PARC) grant programs help municipalities maintain their parks and recreational areas, making our communities more beautiful, friendlier places to live. The funds that they provide represent also represent investments in communities across our state that boost economic development and tourism opportunities, so to completely halt them as the governor did in Jan. is shortsighted, counterproductive policy.
“Park districts in Maywood, Bellwood, and Forest Park are missing out on several million dollars in grants due to these suspensions, which would have improved both the infrastructure and economy of communities struggling with high unemployment and limited access to green space. I respectfully call on the governor to restore funding to the OSLAD and PARC grant programs, so that communities across the state can make much need improvements and continue to provide residents with critical services.
“While it’s undeniable that our state is facing serious financial challenges, it is not prudent to eliminate programs that provide clear benefits and represent such a small percentage of the overall budget. I remain committed to working my colleagues on both sides of the aisle and the governor to pass a responsible, balanced budget, but in the meantime, residents of local communities should not have to bear the brunt of fixing Illinois’ fiscal woes.â€
Welch represents the 7th District which includes all or portion of Bellwood, Berkley, Broadview, Forest Park, Hillside, La Grange Park, Maywood, River Forest and Westchester.
