Illinois’ military bases are important to our national security and our state economy—contributing $4 billion annually. These installations often serve as an economic anchor for the communities in which they reside. They provide a vital source of jobs, and cuts often have a significant impact on these areas. Lt. Governor Simon is committed to protecting the state’s military operations, installations, and the families of those who selflessly serve our state and country.
Military Base Committee
Lt. Governor Simon serves as the Chairman of the Interagency Military Base Support and Economic Development Committee (IMBSEDC), which coordinates the state’s activities and communications relating to current and former military bases in Illinois. The committee was established in 2005 in response to U.S. Department of Defense Base Closure and Realignment Commission (BRAC) orders to close and realign military bases nationwide. The Committee serves as a point of communication between military branches, base leadership, State agencies, and defense communities. It also provides advice and recommendations for base retention, realignment and reuse efforts.
The committee includes four members of the General Assembly and up to eight members of the public from counties that contain or adjoin current or former military bases. The following state agencies are also represented: Commerce and Economic Opportunity, Environmental Protection, Military Affairs, Natural Resources, Revenue, and Transportation. The Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs, Illinois National Guard, and major active and inactive bases have been highly involved with the Committee since its inception.
After visiting the Rock Island Arsenal and former Joliet Arsenal in May 2011, Lt. Governor Simon invited members of the congressional delegation from across Illinois to join the new U.S. House Defense Communities Caucus – a unified, bipartisan group that voices support and concern for active, closed or closing military installations. The Congressional Caucus aims to help facilitate cooperation among private, public and military sectors to create jobs and save federal tax dollars.
Application process for citizen membership
Applications for citizen membership on the IMBSEDC are currently being accepted. For self-nomination, please prepare a letter of interest and resume. To nominate someone else, please prepare a letter of recommendation for the nominee and provide his/her contact information. Materials should be directed to:
Office of Lt. Governor Sheila Simon
c/o Delio Calzolari
100 W Randolph St., Suite 15-200
Chicago, IL 60601
delio.calzolari@illinois.gov
As a receipt of the submission, the nominee will receive a background check release form and will submit the form to the State Police indicating they would like the results returned to the Lt. Governor’s office.
Meeting Notices, Agendas and Minutes
IMBSEDC meethings are held in the Lt. Governor's Chicago and Springfield offices via videoconference.
- Tuesday, May 24, 2011
- Thursday, August 11, 2011
- Tuesday, October 25, 2011
- Wednesday, January 18, 2012
- Wednesday, April 18, 2012
- Wednesday, October 17, 2012
View the statute creating the IMBSEDC here.