HJR 82 - Fortner Backs Fermilab Funding :: Mike Fortner

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HJR 82 - Fortner Backs Fermilab Funding

Jan 08, 2008

Late last year the US Congress surprised Fermilab by slashing $52 million from the President's budget request. Fermilab is not just one of the top research centers in the US, it's also a major employer in the area. The lab contributes to the economy through its own operations, through its employees, and from the many spin-off businesses that have happened through the years. By introducing HJR82 Mike Fortner is working to get the State of Illinois on record to support a restoration of Fermilab's funds.

Both the Batavia and St. Charles city councils took action yesterday on their resolutions of support, and Mayor Weisner of Aurora worked with Mayor Schielke of Batavia on a joint letter to Congress. Fortner's resolution notes some of the important benefits of Fermilab to the state and nation, and urges Congress to restore funding both for this year and next.

Two local newspapers carried the story this morning, and took note of Fortner's resolution. Andres Salles writes about the resolution in the Beacon News:

Local governments aren't the only ones showing support for Fermilab. State Rep. Mike Fortner, R-West Chicago, introduced a similar joint resolution in the Illinois House, which he hopes will pass both the House and Senate. A physics professor at Northern Illinois University, Fortner said he knows first-hand the impact such budget cuts could have on Fermilab and the surrounding communities.
He said the House could begin taking action on the resolution this week.

The Kane County Chronicle mentioned Fortner's resolution as well as the support of the local congressional delegation and neighboring communities:

“It is extremely gratifying to have our neighbors’ support, to see the level of concern of our neighboring communities and at the state level,” Fermilab communications director Judy Jackson said.
State Rep. Mike Fortner, R-West Chicago, also is sponsoring a resolution to restore the funding. In addition, U.S. Sens. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., and Barack Obama, D-Ill., and U.S. Rep. Judy Biggert, R-Ill., are lobbying for an increase in funding for Fermilab.