Transit Future Update – June 4, 2007
In this Update
1. Illinois General Assembly Goes Into Overtime
2. Upcoming CTA Board Meetings
3. Become a Transit Partner
4. Latest Transit News
Illinois General Assembly Goes Into Overtime
Thursday night marked the end of the Illinois General Assembly’s regular session, and with it came progress but no relief for the RTA or any of the three service boards. SB 572 (incorporating HB 1841) was passed by the House Mass Transit Committee, but has not yet been called for a vote before the full House. For more information on the two amendments that were approved, please refer to Rep Julie Hamos website under “Latest Transit Updates.”
Unfortunately, overtime session means that legislation requires a larger majority to pass either house before heading to the Governor’s desk. Additionally, Governor Blagojevich has promised a veto of any sales tax increase, the funding mechanism called for in Amendment 2 of SB 572.
What does this mean for advocates of mass transit in Northeastern Illinois?
We must continue to communicate with our state legislators and the Governor to tell them that they can not adjourn this legislative session without reforming and funding the RTA. Please continue to contact your legislator to let them know that transit must be a priority this year! For talking points, a map of your area, and the average transportation cost in your legislative district, please refer to the Transit in Your Area section.
The CTA has scheduled four meetings to discuss proposals to reduce service and/or raise fares to bus routes and rail lines. Transit Future is encouraging individuals to attend these meetings to express their frustrations with the service cuts and with the lack of activity on the issue from Springfield. For transit reform and funding to be a reality this session, elected officials and the general public must understand what is at stake. Please plan on attending.
Hearings will be held on:
Tuesday, June 5, 6:30 p.m.
Sherman Park Fieldhouse
1301 W. 52nd Street
Chicago, IL 60609
Wednesday, June 6, 6:30 p.m.
Michelle’s Ballroom
2800 W. Belmont Avenue
Chicago, IL 60618
Monday, June 11, 6:30 p.m.
University of Illinois at Chicago
Student Center East
750 S. Halsted, Room 302
Chicago, IL 60607
Wednesday, June 13, 9:00 a.m.
CTA Headquarters
567 W. Lake, Chicago, IL 60661
Help us grow our list! We are asking organizations throughout Northeastern Illinois to become partners in Transit Future by:
1. Communicating with their membership about the issue and encouraging them to contact their state legislators.
2. Participating in Transit Future events (rallies, press conferences, meetings, lobby days).
3. Adding their name to the Transit Future website.
To find out more on becoming a Transit Partner, please contact David LeBreton at 773/269-4043 or dlebreton@cnt.org.
There has been considerable interest in the transit crisis by media outlets all over the six county area. For the most recent news, as well as past news, please visit Transit in the News.