CHICAGO—While
state legislators negotiate a state budget, funding to save transit in
Northeastern Illinois remains stalled and Governor Blagojevich is
threatening to veto legislation that would ensure reliable transit
funding for years to come.
In
response, local citizen groups held a bake sale to demonstrate the
importance of adequate funding for the state’s public transit systems.
Activists alerted commuters to the looming cuts in service and fare
hikes facing Northeastern Illinois transit and the need for action in
Springfield.
“We
shouldn’t have to sell brownies for buses or baked goods for the RTA to
raise money for our public transit systems,” said Illinois PIRG
spokesperson Amanda Holmes. “We urge Governor Blagojevich to support
reliable transit funding across the Northeastern Illinois region, not
stop gap measures.”
Hungry
passersby who stopped for a treat were also asked to call Governor
Blagojevich and urge him to support legislation that would hold transit
agencies more accountable and provide new dollars for transit across
the region.
“The
leadership in this state, including Governor Blagojevich, must face the
reality that without additional funding our region’s transit system
will fail,” said David LeBreton, Transit Advocate with the Center for
Neighborhood Technology. “The residents of Northeastern Illinois should
not have to depend on cookies and brownies to solve our transit
problems.”
“Transit
needs reliable, sustainable funding and unfortunately bake sales won’t
be enough,” said Rick Harnish, Director of Transit Riders Alliance.
“We’re here today to demonstrate that if Governor Blagojevich won’t
address the region’s transit needs adequately, citizens will take
matters into their own hands to make sure transit is funded.”
During
the regular legislative session the House Mass Transit Committee passed
legislation that would reform the Regional Transportation Authority and
ensure adequate, reliable funding for years to come. Unfortunately,
Governor Blagojevich has threatened to veto this legislation.
Last
week, Illinois PIRG released a new study that proposed linking reforms
of transit agencies with new, permanent funding sources.
“Having
funding linked with stronger transit agency accountability is not just
good public policy, it’s the way to get lawmakers moving so we can keep
transit moving,” said Brian Imus, Illinois PIRG state Director and
co-author of the report. “Transit is too important to rely on the sale
of baked goods.”
