Government News

Bi-Partisan Coalition Proposes a $31 Billion Capital Works Initiative

Anyone driving through the northern part of Will County can tell you. Anyone from another county who recently found a job in Will County can tell you. And anyone who has children in a Will County school can tell you.

The roads in Will County are not wide enough and the schools are not big enough to accommodate a growing population.

The answer is an infusion of money for roads, schools, bridges, and mass transit. Since state lawmakers have been unable to agree on a plan, Governor Rod R. Blagojevich has asked former Speaker of the House of Representatives in Washington D.C., Dennis Hastert, and the Honorable Glenn Poshard to form a bi-partisan coalition to promote a funding initiative. They call it the Illinois Works Coalition.

On May 2o, 2008, the Coalition met with community leaders and voters in Joliet at the 150 West Operators union hall to present their plan and receive feedback. Among the speakers was the Honorable Dennis Hastert, State Representatives Brent Hassert and Renee Kosel, IDOT Chief of Staff, Clayton Harris, Jim Roolf of the Will County Center for Economic Development, and Steve Quigley of the Will County Governmental League.

The speakers presented their plan to fund a capital works program without affecting taxpayers. Their proposal calls for $31 billion funded from the following sources:

  • Lease 80 percent of the Illinois Lottery which should generate $7 billion for non-bonded projects
  • Expand gaming in the state by allowing more casinos which should support $6 billion in bonded projects and $700 million in non-bonded projects
  • Use excess motor fuel taxes to support bonded road projects which should allow $2 billion in additional projects
  • Use up to $100 million in excess state sales taxes on motor fuels to provide a revenue guarantee for bonded projects

Spending allocation would include a healthy infusion of capital for roadwork, money for mass transit, and money for schools. The breakdown is as follows:

Category Amount
IDOT Multi-Year Program $10.8 billion
New Road Projects $5.6 billion
Local Transportation Projects $1 billion
School Construction Program $4.1 billion
School Maintenance Program $330 million
Early Childhood Facilities $10 million
Public Universities $1.048 billion
Community Colleges $300 million
Private Universities $300 million
Environmental/Water Projects $546 million
Energy Development $400 million
LUST Fund $25 million
Technology Projects $94 million
State/Local Water/Sewer Program $300 million
Public Transit $4 billion
Rail/Passenger $300 million
Airports $305 million
State Facilities $553 million
Economic Development $350 million
Healthcare Facilities $10 0million
Civic Centers $25 million
New Initiatives $500 million

After the presentation, a number of people stood in line to express their need for improvements. The City Planner for Joliet and the mayors of Plainfield, Romeoville and other villages were there. So was former Joliet Junior College President, J.D. Ross who spoke on behalf of the Regional Transit authority. There were also representatives from different school districts, a speaker from Governor State University, the current President of Joliet Junior College, Dr. Gena Proulx, and many more. All spoke eloquently about the plight of northern Will County.

They described the lack of classrooms and the need for building repairs. They talked about the importance of providing convenient mass transportation. Dr. Proulx outlined the needs for building expansion to accommodate a growing enrollment for Joliet Junior College, and everyone pleaded for an improved Route 59 and I-55. The presenters listened quietly and took notes.

Perhaps you would like to add your comments or even make some suggestions. Maybe you have some concerns about this initiative you want to share. Visit the Illinois Works Coalition web site at www.illinoisworkscoalition.com or call 866-308-1369. You can learn more about this program, leave your comments, or express your support.

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