ICCTA Action Alert Nov. 6, 2002 2002 General Election Summary Good showing for Democrats Illinois voters bucked the national trend yesterday, electing Democrats to four of the five statewide constitutional offices -- including Rod Blagojevich, the first Democrat to win the Governor's office in 30 years. Democrats also seized control of the Illinois General Assembly, winning the majority of seats in the Illinois Senate and increasing their hold on the Illinois House of Representatives. This marks the first time in 26 years that Democrats will control both the governor's office and the Legislature. Several House and Senate races are still too close to call but will not affect the balance of power in next year's General Assembly. Governor-elect Blagojevich will be sworn into office on Monday, January 13, 2003. Bad showing for college referenda Voters expressed considerable anti-tax sentiment at the polls, as only two of the nine community college referenda on the Nov. 5 ballot were approved: Illinois Valley Community College       * 12.5-cent increase in the Education Fund tax rate -- Defeated       * 2.5-cent increase in the Operations and Maintenance Fund tax rate -- Defeated       * Authority to sell $16 million in bonds -- Defeated College of DuPage       * 3-cent increase in the Education Fund tax rate -- Defeated       * Authority to sell $183 million in bonds -- PASSED Waubonsee Community College       * Authority to sell $67 million in bonds -- PASSED       * 5-cent increase in the Operations and Maintenance Fund tax rate -- Defeated Joliet Junior College       * 2-cent increase in the Operations and Maintenance Fund tax rate -- Defeated       * Authority to sell $252 million in bonds -- Defeated Fall veto session The current General Assembly will return to Springfield for its fall veto session on November 19 - 21 and December 3 - 5. Although no community college issues are on the agenda, ICCTA will maintain its presence at the Capitol and report on any late-breaking developments affecting higher education. For additional information on state legislative issues, contact ICCTA at 1-800-454-2282. Illinois Community College Trustees Association 401 E. Capitol Ave., Suite 200 Springfield, IL 62701-1711 217-528-2858 (phone) 217-528-8662 (fax) ICCTA@communitycolleges.org (e-mail) http://www.communitycolleges.org | Home | News | Events | Links |