Illinois’ historic sites, including the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, will now be protected from fund sweeps under a new law sponsored by Sen. Dillard.

Dillard said that House Bill 4961 (PA 96-1312) prevents revenue collected to benefit Illinois’ Historic Sites Fund, as well as the Presidential Library and Museum Operating Fund, from being abused. Over the last seven years many state funds have been raided for excess revenue in order to supplement state spending.

“My father was a history teacher, so I very much value the state’s historical sites,” said Dillard. “Illinois is rich in history. Instead of draining these funds, we need to support our historical sites. Not only are they important for the tourism they draw to Illinois, but they are great educational tools for kids and adults, alike.”

Sen. Dillard said that since Fiscal Year 2004 the Historic Sites Fund has been raided for a little more than $1.1 million, while at least $2.6 million has been taken from the Presidential Library and Museum Operating Fund since Fiscal Year 2005.

“These funds were specifically earmarked for the maintenance and financing of projects relating to the state’s historic sites. However, millions of dollars was siphoned out of these funds and used to fund other state programs,” Dillard explained. “It’s not right that these fees were used to expand welfare and other programs, instead of to benefit historical preservation efforts.”