Victory! (Sort Of)
A bill substantially similar to the much lauded SB 572 just passed in the Senate. This bill provides a permanent funding solution for transit in Northeastern Illinois, reforms the governing structure of the region’s transit agencies, and sorts out the CTA pension mess. The additional funds it provides come from a quarter-percent sales tax increase in the region.
So, what’s not to like?
Governor Blagojevich, who had previously stated his opposition to the bill because it raises taxes, has appeared to moderate his stance over the last week. This spurred hopes that perhaps he would be willing to sign the bill after all. However, shortly after the bill’s passage, he announced that he slap an amendatory veto on the bill so that seniors will be allowed to ride for free.
Giving seniors a free ride isn’t a bad idea, necessarily, but many lawmakers are irked that the governor would choose to bring up this concern at the last minute, forcing the legislature to return to Springfield for a special session next week.
All in all, the situation still looks hopeful. We can hope that this latest hurdle the governor has placed before transit advocates will also be the last. If not, the Jan 20th doomsday is a short 5 days away…
We urge legislators to return to Springfield for this week’s special session. A quorum has to appear in order either to override the veto or approve it. While an override would be best for the residents of the region, an approval would be preferable to allowing the doomsday to go ahead.
Please, contact your legislator and ask him or her to make this one final effort on behalf of transit.
