Transit Future

So, now that we’ve all breathed the requisite sighs of relief, knowing that transit is safe for now, the average transit-rider might be wondering what exactly HB 656 entails.

First, a note on the nomenclature. HB 656 has exactly the same text as SB 572, the bill for so long under discussion. However, it is technically a unique piece of legislation, originating in the senate. It is HB 656 that is now technically law in the state of Illinois.

The law itself is somewhat voluminous, so for those interested in knowing more about what it entails, this helpful fact sheet is the best place to start: http://www.juliehamos.org/PDFs/HB656FACTSHEET_01-23-08.pdf

It is also important to recognize the many tireless advocates that never stopped lobbying, attending rallies, and general letting the legislature know how important transit is to the region.  Representative Julie Hamos (D-Evanston) deserves special recognition, of course, as the principal political champion of transit in Northeastern Illinois. Read her thoughts on the bill’s passage here: http://www.juliehamos.org/transit/news/newsitem.aspx?newsitemid=163

This afternoon the legislature voted to concur with the governor’s amendatory veto, effectively ending the almost year-long transit crisis the region has suffered through patiently. No more doomsdays!

We’ll have more details soon…

A bill substantially similar to the much lauded SB 572 passed the Senate yesterday. This bill provides a permanent funding solution for transit in NE Illinois, reforms the governing structure of the region’s transit agencies, and sorts out the CTA pension mess. The additional funds it provides come from a quarter-percent sales tax increase in the region.

So, what’s not to like?

Governor Blagojevich, who had previously stated his opposition to the bill because it raises taxes, has appeared to moderate his stance over the last week. This spurred hopes that perhaps he would be willing to sign the bill after all. However, shortly after the bill’s passage, he announced that he intends to slap an amendatory veto on the bill so that seniors will be allowed to ride for free.

Giving seniors a free ride isn’t a bad idea, necessarily, but many lawmakers are irked that the governor would choose to bring up this concern at the last minute, forcing the legislature to return to Springfield for a special session next week.

All in all, the situation still looks hopeful. We can hope that this latest hurdle the governor has placed before transit advocates will also be the last. If not, the Jan 20th doomsday is a short 9 days away…

Though Wednesday’s special session produced nothing for transit, legislators will meet one more time before the January 20th doomsday. Though we have asked before, please, consider contacting your legislator and/or the governor. Illinois needs a permanent, ongoing source of funding for transit.

Only a handful of legislators showed up for the governor’s special session on Wednesday. Some of the ones who did come were irked that they drove two hours down to Springfield and two hours back to Chicago for a 15-minute session. Rep. Julie Hamos did hold a hearing in the afternoon where she again asked for new ideas on how to fund transit. Apparently the plan that garnered the most discussion was a proposed cigarette-tax hike, but a similar plan had already been floated in the legislature and had failed to attract support.

Meanwhile, the next transit doomsday, Jan. 20th, looms closer. There are some indications that the gravity of the situation has finally sunk in at the governor’s office.  His spokeswoman commented: “A long-term funding solution for the CTA won’t happen without the legislature passing a bill that the Governor can sign.  We’re disappointed that most lawmakers failed to appear for the special session called by the Governor to fund the CTA and avert a planned January 20 doomsday.  …it’s important to remember there are only 18 days left until the CTA begins cutting service, raising fares and laying people off.  We hope members of the General Assembly will show up the next time the Governor calls them into special session to spare transit riders from service cuts and fare hikes.”