The Illinois House and Senate have passed a bill that could raise water rates for many Illinois consumers.
House Bill 4508 renews old legislation that allows Illinois American Water and Aqua Illinois–the big corporations pushing the bill–to raise existing customers’ rates in order to bankroll the purchase of municipal water systems. It will no longer limit the size of the municipal system those corporations can buy.
The good news is, lobbyists for Illinois American and Aqua failed to get a veto-proof majority in the House. Please urge Gov. Bruce Rauner to veto this bill!
In the first quarter, the parent companies of Illinois American and Aqua made a combined $150 million in profits. HB 4508 would make it easier for these companies to buy out municipal systems…and potentially raise rates.
Last year, the Chicago Tribune discovered that Illinois American Water and Aqua Illinois charged 20-70 percent more than municipal systems in the Chicago region.
Let your voice be heard in Springfield! Urge Gov. Rauner to veto HB 4508.
