AOPA Great Lakes Regional Representative Bill Blake testified this week before the Illinois House to address the needs of general aviation pilots in Gov. Blagojevich's fiscal year 2005 budget proposal. The proposal would impose drastic cuts within the Illinois Department of Transportation. Blake warned the committee that cutting aeronautics funding by 22 percent and eliminating nearly half of the division's staff would jeopardize the state's aviation safety and development programs. The House Appropriations Public Safety Committee will continue to hear discussion on state budget matters before crafting amendments to the governor's proposed budget. See AOPA Online.
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