SPRINGFIELD–Citizens and representatives from labor, public interest and community groups descended on Springfield to demand action on Senate Bill 572. The citizen lobby day brought activists to Springfield in support of legislation that would prevent severe service cuts and fare hikes in Northeastern Illinois and address transit funding shortfalls in future years.
The citizen lobby day began with a press event at the Capitol. “W ithout action from lawmakers, mass transit service will quickly go from bad to worse, threatening the economy and quality of life of Northeastern Illinois,” said David LeBreton with the Center for Neighborhood Technology.
Despite threats from Governor Blagojevich to veto the legislation, the groups highlighted the overwhelming public and legislative support.
“Today’s citizen lobby effort for transit demonstrates the public wants action for a real solution, not a temporary bailout,” said Brian Imus, State Director with Illinois PIRG (Public Interest Research Group). “Thousands of citizens have already taken action with phone calls, letters and emails demanding legislation to fix transit funding shortfalls and ensure Northeastern Illinois has world-class transit for years to come.”
Transit agencies across the state, but especially in Northeastern Illinois, are struggling with rising energy, security and employee health care costs. As a result transit service in the collar counties, Cook County and Chicago face a $226 million shortfall. That means, starting as early as September, the deteriorating service in the region now will get dramatically worse – with fare hikes and service cuts.
“The message is simple. Transit users across the region are disgusted with deteriorating transit and para-transit services while Governor Blagojevich ignores the problem,” said Marcia Trawinski, 1 st Vice President of Metro Seniors in Action. “The groups here today represent all who will suffer if no action is taken. Now is the time lawmakers must act.”
