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ABATE both won and lost yesterday.
A Downstate judge Wednesday issued an order temporarily blocking the Blagojevich administration from transferring about $350,000 from two special-purpose funds into the state’s main checking account.The order by Sangamon County Circuit Judge Leo J. Zappa Jr. stemmed from a newly filed lawsuit by a group known as ABATE of Illinois, which is challenging the governor’s diversion of funds set up to benefit motorcycle enthusiasts.
But the ruling could have implications for hundreds of other special-purpose funds that collect fees for designated purposes, such as the road fund, which receives money from the motor fuel tax and the vehicle registration fee.
Zappa’s order prohibiting the administration from shifting revenues from a cycle rider’s training fund and a fund dedicated to the upkeep of off-road motorcycle trails extends until July 10, when the case is next set for hearing.
ABATE was seeking an order from Zappa blocking the governor’s diversion of revenue from 77 funds, few having anything to do with motorcyclists. The money in play in those particular funds totaled more than $30 million..
The judge wouldn’t block the transfers of other state fund monies, so that was the loss part.
posted by Rich Miller
Thursday, Jun 15, 06 @ 5:11 am
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The argument can be made that since accident statistics for motorbikes have gone up, (due to more new owners pushing their limited skills) the training fund is a vital tool to make safer drivers and save lives. When they made their first grab of the funds, Blago’s people claimed that of course they would put back any raided funds that were truly needed for their original purpose. This one looks pretty clear to me. How they can look in the mirror after similarly robbing other health and safety oriented special purpose funds beats me.
Comment by American Chopper Thursday, Jun 15, 06 @ 8:10 am
They seek to block the transfer of over $30 million, and they get a temporary block of about one percent of that. Sounds like a big loss to me.
Comment by Not So Fast Thursday, Jun 15, 06 @ 10:45 am
I don’t think the issue here is “won or lost”. The issue is that ABATE has taken a stand against Blago and his STEALING of funds to satisfy his penchant for bloated and unproven programs. These funds are not generated by taxpayer dollars, but by user fees. In the case of the Cycle Rider Training Fund, the dollars come from motorcyclists and only motorcylists. I applaud ABATE for taking this action and would hope those with an interest in the other funds join ABATE.
Comment by dukane Thursday, Jun 15, 06 @ 11:38 am