Rutherford: Potluck bill heads to Governor Negotiations continue on State Budget

"I am pleased that this legislation is on its way to becoming law,- said Rutherford. -Potluck dinners are a community tradition and one that should not fall under the long arm of overzealous regulators.

-This is just one of many substantive bills that have had the opportunity to be heard while lawmakers are back in Springfield working on the budget,- he said. -I am working for a responsible, pro-jobs budget that the state can afford. I hope that when the final budget comes close to resolution that it does not include the same mistakes the Governor made last year, such as tax and fee increases that sent jobs out of state and one-time revenues that failed to provide the promised funding.-

Lawmakers are meeting in five separate special sessions to finalize budget negotiations. Some of the points Rutherford is fighting for include: a competitive jobs climate, limits on government spending, increased funding for education and at least level funding for higher education, protection for Road Fund dollars, properly managed Medicaid expenses, responsible management of State debt, an end to the Governor-s chargebacks on dedicated funds, protection for public pensions, and accountability and sunshine on proposed state facility closures such as Pontiac Correctional Center.

During regular session, lawmakers are also able to hear non-budget legislation, such as the potluck bill. As sent to the Governor, Senate Bill 2944 prohibits state and local health departments from regulating potluck dinners at which people are gathered to share food, people are not compensated for bringing food to the event, there is no charge for food and beverages at the event, the event is not conducted for commercial purposes, and it is understood that the food and facilities have not been inspected by the health department.