From: State Representative Ruth Munson
Sent: Friday, May 9, 2008
Subject: Capital in the Capitol
This week, my colleague Representative Tim Schmitz (R-Batavia) and I introduced a House Resolution calling for prompt passage of a long-overdue capital plan to improve roads, bridges, schools and local mass transit systems (HR 1278). While it was a resolution of this type that was instrumental in defeating the Governor's Gross Receipts Tax, in this case we are hopeful that it will be successful in securing passage of a much-needed capital plan.
A Matter of Safety
It has been more than six years since the state passed a capital plan and our infrastructure is literally crumbling. With 3,450 miles of bad roads and 2,450 bridges that have been rated 'structurally deficient,' the state of Illinois is on track to reach a new record high for improvements. We need a capital plan in place, and we need it now.
Schools Need Help Too
Our communities continue to grow and this growth is straining not only our roads but also our schools. It's unacceptable that our school districts are still waiting for school construction grants the state promised to them. Our school district need immediate help and property taxpayers should not have bear the burden.
Resolution Details
Our resolution calls for prompt action, and lays out critical protections that must be included in a comprehensive capital plan to make sure the funding actually goes where it is intended and that we access the more than $9.3 billion in federal transportation dollars that our congressional delegation brought home to Illinois. Without a plan those dollars go unused!
HR 1278 calls for passage this spring of a statewide capital and infrastructure plan, and includes:
- ROADS AND BRIDGES: At least $3 billion a year for the next five years for road and bridge construction and maintenance. The funding would be deposited directly into a Capital Infrastructure Fund, and could not be diverted for any other purpose.
- PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION: At least $2 billion over the next three years for construction and maintenance of public transportation systems. A new Public Transportation Construction Fund will be created to ensure this funding is allocated as intended.
- SCHOOLS: At least $500 million each year over the next three years for school construction grants, that, when combined with the 50% local match, will make available $3 billion to repair, replace and upgrade local school, community college and university buildings.
- END TO DIVERSIONS: State motor fuel tax dollars and license fees that go into the road fund will stay in the road fund to pay for road repairs. Provides increased accountability to local taxpayers regarding how their transportation tax dollars are collected and spent.
- ANNUAL AUDIT: Provides for an annual audit of the Road, Highway Construction, and Public Transportation Funds to make sure precious infrastructure dollars are being spent appropriately.
With HR 1278 we are sending an unequivocally clear message that the time to act is now and with that action there must be accountability.
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