Illinois lawmakers continue to make a case to bail out mass transit

(The Center Square) – Despite failing to get a mass transit funding package passed in the Illinois legislature this spring, some lawmakers continue to present their case.

As the mass transit agencies paint a bleak picture regarding the fiscal cliff in 2026, a funding package appears far from the finish line. The Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) said it needs $770 million to keep the systems in the Chicago area running as usual. The RTA and union groups have estimated that nearly 3,000 workers could lose their jobs if lawmakers don’t fund the transit system.

State Sen. Ram Villivallam, D-Chicago introduced legislation that would restructure and rename the current Regional Transit Authority to the Northern Illinois Transit Authority, increasing the number of appointed board members from 16 to 20.

“We also centralized a lot of the decision making on service plans, capital plans,” said Villivallam during a virtual briefing Wednesday. “Seven different apps for the [Chicago Transit Authority], Pace, RTA. We’re saying there should be one app.”

The state Senate passed legislation that included a statewide $1.50 delivery tax and a real estate transfer tax. State Rep. Bill Hauter, R-Morton, said he is surprised by that vote and not surprised the House failed to take action.

- Advertisement -

“It is extremely unpopular and poorly put together and definitely poorly rolled out,” said Hauter.

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson has suggested a tax on the wealthy to shift the burden away from a proposal to place a tax on sales and services.

“There’s been some conversations about a millionaires tax and other forms of progressive taxation that challenges the ultra-rich to pay their fair share,” said Johnson.

By law, public transit agencies must craft their budgets under the assumption that they will not receive support from Springfield.

Legislators say future deliberations are expected to take place over the summer.

spot_img
spot_img

Hot this week

African and Caribbean Nations Call for Reparations for Slave Trade, Propose Global Fund

Nations across Africa and the Caribbean, deeply impacted by...

Sports betting expert offers advice on paying taxes for gambling winnings

(The Center Square) – Tax season is underway, and...

Health care company agrees to pay $22.5 million to settle claims of over billing

A health care company agreed to pay nearly $22.5...

Entertainment district benefits don’t outweigh the cost, economists say

(The Center Square) — Weeks later, after more details...

Business association ‘disappointed’ by WA L&I’s proposed workers comp rate hike

(The Center Square) – The Association of Washington Business...

Milwaukee announces $21M for bus line improvements

(The Center Square) – The U.S. Department of Transportation...

Starbucks return-to-office plan adds momentum to Seattle’s recovery

(The Center Square) – Starbucks is ordering its corporate...

$127M Caddo-Bossier Interstate 20 reconstruction project reaches final phase

(The Center Square) — A $127 million road project...

WATCH: Washington Gun Law host says Illinois gun ban case is ‘full Monty’ for SCOTUS

(The Center Square) – Popular YouTube Second Amendment commentator...

Land named to Supreme Court of Georgia

(The Center Square) – Georgia Court of Appeals Judge...

WA court limits how state can sentence immigrants previously convicted abroad

(The Center Square) – The Washington Supreme Court issued...

Lawmakers seek to revoke charter for major teachers union

Republican lawmakers have introduced a new bill that would...

Wisconsin GOP House Reps want congressional maps challenge tossed

(The Center Square) – Wisconsin’s Republican members of the...

More like this
Related

Milwaukee announces $21M for bus line improvements

(The Center Square) – The U.S. Department of Transportation...

Starbucks return-to-office plan adds momentum to Seattle’s recovery

(The Center Square) – Starbucks is ordering its corporate...

$127M Caddo-Bossier Interstate 20 reconstruction project reaches final phase

(The Center Square) — A $127 million road project...

WATCH: Washington Gun Law host says Illinois gun ban case is ‘full Monty’ for SCOTUS

(The Center Square) – Popular YouTube Second Amendment commentator...