Illinois lawmakers have finally put the finishing touches on a massive $1.5 billion legislative package aimed at propping up the state's struggling mass transit agencies. The bill, which was passed late Thursday night and now heads to Governor JB Pritzker's desk for his signature, includes a range of new revenue streams designed to shore up the Chicago area's ailing transit agencies.
At the heart of the bill is a shift in how the state collects taxes on fuel, with an additional 860 million dollars per year set aside specifically for transit operations. The Regional Transit Authority will also be given more power to increase sales taxes in the Chicago area, while tolls are expected to rise by up to $1 billion over the next few years.
Lawmakers have been working towards this goal for several years, ever since it became clear that the transit agencies would face significant cuts unless a new funding source was found. Despite initial setbacks and proposals that were met with resistance from lawmakers and interest groups, a compromise package has finally emerged.
Under the new plan, fares will not be increased on public transit for at least a year after the bill's passage, giving riders more breathing room in an increasingly uncertain environment. However, it's a small silver lining - the state is still looking to raise billions of dollars from increased tolls and new taxes.
Some lawmakers expressed frustration that the final package didn't do more to address the issue of funding disparities across different regions of the state. Others were relieved that the contentious proposal for a billionaire tax was ultimately scrapped, although it's unclear what other mechanisms may be explored in the future.
The revised bill has been touted as a major step forward in addressing the transit agencies' chronic underfunding, and its passage marks a significant milestone in efforts to shore up Illinois' crumbling public transportation system. Whether Governor Pritzker will sign it into law remains to be seen, but for now, lawmakers can breathe a collective sigh of relief - at least for the time being.
At the heart of the bill is a shift in how the state collects taxes on fuel, with an additional 860 million dollars per year set aside specifically for transit operations. The Regional Transit Authority will also be given more power to increase sales taxes in the Chicago area, while tolls are expected to rise by up to $1 billion over the next few years.
Lawmakers have been working towards this goal for several years, ever since it became clear that the transit agencies would face significant cuts unless a new funding source was found. Despite initial setbacks and proposals that were met with resistance from lawmakers and interest groups, a compromise package has finally emerged.
Under the new plan, fares will not be increased on public transit for at least a year after the bill's passage, giving riders more breathing room in an increasingly uncertain environment. However, it's a small silver lining - the state is still looking to raise billions of dollars from increased tolls and new taxes.
Some lawmakers expressed frustration that the final package didn't do more to address the issue of funding disparities across different regions of the state. Others were relieved that the contentious proposal for a billionaire tax was ultimately scrapped, although it's unclear what other mechanisms may be explored in the future.
The revised bill has been touted as a major step forward in addressing the transit agencies' chronic underfunding, and its passage marks a significant milestone in efforts to shore up Illinois' crumbling public transportation system. Whether Governor Pritzker will sign it into law remains to be seen, but for now, lawmakers can breathe a collective sigh of relief - at least for the time being.
think they should just use it to build more trains and buses instead of tolls though idk what's wrong with them, can't we all just get along on public transportation 
anyway i'm stoked that fares won't go up for at least a year, that's some sweet relief 
still gotta worry about those tolls though
the state is stepping up its game when it comes to mass transit! I mean, who doesn't love having reliable transportation options? The extra $860 MILLION per year will be a huge help, and not increasing fares on public transit for at least a year is a BIG win 
. It's about time we start treating our public transportation like the important infrastructure it is 
. I do wish they'd addressed funding disparities better though 
. Still, this is a major step forward and I'm SO grateful to have a governor who seems to care about the people of Illinois 
finally! 1.5 billion and counting, that's like finding a free ticket to paradise...or in this case, a decent ride on the L train 
. Increased tolls = yay, more cash for the transit agencies (just don't forget your wallet next time you drive through Chicago). Fares won't go up at least for now, which is cool, but like, let's be real, it's not like they're gonna magically appear out of thin air 
. And what about all those other regions that are still struggling? Guess some lawmakers are more concerned with saving face than actual results 
. Guess we'll just have to wait and see if Governor Pritzker signs this baby into law 
.
. But, let's be real, it's not like they're getting a blank check or anything 
. And yeah, funding disparities across regions is still a big issue... maybe they can revisit that in the next bill 
. at least fares wont go up on public transit 4 a bit 
finally some good news about our Chicago transit system!!! $1.5 billion is a huge amount and I'm so glad that lawmakers were able to put their heads together and come up with a compromise package 
the fuel tax shift is a great idea and I hope it helps our public transportation system get back on track 
. But for now, let's just hope this package marks a turning point in Illinois' transit story 
Another massive bill to prop up our sinking transit system 
. Fare increases will only kick in after a year? That's just a temporary reprieve before the next round of hikes 
. And don't even get me started on those tolls... we're basically getting nickel-and-dimed to death 
. Illinois is stuck in transit limbo and it feels like we'll be waiting forever for real solutions 
.
.
. I've been following this issue for a while now, and the thought of more frequent fare hikes is just not ideal 
It's insane! The new bill is like a breath of fresh air, but let's not forget that increased tolls are expected to rise by up to $1 billion in just a few years... that's still gonna hurt some people. 
, so we gotta think about more sustainable solutions too. I'm all for a boost in funding, but it's crucial we address those disparities across regions ASAP! 
. I mean, we all know how public transportation works in Chicago... it's a nightmare 
. But seriously, raising billions from increased tolls and new taxes isn't exactly the most user-friendly solution 
. Still, at least fares won't go up for a bit, so riders will have some breathing room 
. Now let's just hope Governor Pritzker signs this into law