Support SB 2745: Don't be silent on water privatization

• In 2018, the General Assembly updated a law that now permits Illinois’ two biggest private water companies (Aqua Illinois and Illinois American) to buy any public water system and slap the costs—plus profits—on their existing customers. 
• Since the law was changed in 2018, the two companies have spent $88.5 million of ratepayer dollars on these acquisitions.
• If Aqua and Illinois American take over, there’s a good chance they’ll raise rates. A Chicago Tribune analysis in recent years found that both companies charged 20-70% more than municipal systems. 

SB 2745 would require municipalities to hold a referendum before selling off a public water and sewer system. Don’t be silenced! Please urge your legislators to give you a voice. 

Please, petition your senators to support SB 2745!

Dear Springfield:  

As an Illinois consumer who cares about my water bills, I urge you to support Senate Bill 2745.

SB 2745 would require a referendum of local voters before community leaders could sell a public water system to Illinois American Water or Aqua Illinois.   

State law permits Illinois American and Aqua to purchase any water system in the state and recover 100% of the cost of acquisition plus profits from their existing ratepayers. Since the law was changed in 2018, the two companies have spent $88.5 million of ratepayer dollars on these acquisitions.

When a corporation is about to be sold, shareholders vote on whether to accept the sale. Like corporate shareholders, the residents of a municipality are the shareholders in their water system. They deserve to vote before it's auctioned off to a private company. 

I urge you to stand up for water customers and support SB 2745. Thank you!

Sincerely,