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* I would never advise waiting on DC to do anything. Ever…
A group of Republican state Representatives said Tuesday that Illinois should wait for the federal government to get an infrastructure plan before increasing taxes on Illinoisans to pay for a statewide infrastructure plan. […]
Skillicorn said Illinois should wait for the federal government to get a $2 trillion plan, which he estimates could bring $400 billion for the state. Despite the Trump administration butting heads with House Democrats in Washington D.C., Skillicorn said he trusts the president to get it done and encouraged Illinois to urge its congressional delegation to “do their jobs and to deliver the resources that we need.”
“If we move forward with this now, how can we go to Washington D.C. and say ‘we absolutely need every dollar we can?’” Skillicorn said. “We can’t say that because we moved ahead without them.”
* SJ-R counterpoint…
There is little hope that a federal infrastructure bill might provide some funding anytime soon. It should be easy pass — it would create better infrastructure while also promising jobs and an economic boost — but it’s become one more political football for Democrats and Republicans to fight over. It would be easier for Illinois leaders if they knew what the feds might do, especially because an increase in the federal gasoline tax is probably a given if Congress approves a plan, too. But it seems unlikely that the Washington politicians will come to an agreement on this issue anytime soon. Our roads, bridges and buildings needed attention last year (or five or 10 years ago in many cases). Illinois cannot wait.
* Let’s hope not…
Pritzker’s capital spending plan, which he calls “Rebuild Illinois,” calls for $41.5 billion in infrastructure spending over six years, along with doubling the state’s motor fuel tax, along with other possible increases. [Rep. Jeff Keicher, R-Sycamore] said the capital plan could be the subject of a special session this summer.
* Media advisory…
Citing job creation, economic growth and much-needed new revenue, the Illinois AFL-CIO, representing more than 1.5 million people from union households, supports the effort of the General Assembly and Gov. JB Pritzker to get a gaming/casino expansion bill done by the end of the week.
With gaming negotiations ongoing, Illinois AFL-CIO President Michael T. Carrigan said the return value of getting gaming done makes it an urgent matter. Representatives from labor will discuss the importance of gaming expansion at a news conference scheduled for 12:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Capitol.
Labor Support for Gaming Expansion
12:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 28
Statehouse Press Room (Blue Room), SpringfieldParticipants:
· Michael Carrigan – President, Illinois AFL-CIO
· Alan Golden – Business Manager IBEW Local 364, Rockford
· Michael Macellaio – Secretary-Treasurer, Chicago & Cook County Building & Construction Trades
· State Sen. Antonio Munoz (D-Chicago), Assistant Majority Leader
· State Sen. Terry Link (D-Vernon Hills), Assistant Majority Leader
· State Rep. Robert Rita (D-Blue Island)
posted by Rich Miller
Tuesday, May 28, 19 @ 12:21 pm
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We can’t wait any longer to spend money on infrastructure. This all should have been maintained, but both parties have put it off far too long.
Comment by Cheryl44 Tuesday, May 28, 19 @ 12:24 pm
[Rep. Jeff Keicher, R-Sycamore] said the capital plan could be the subject of a special session this summer.
No, thank you.
Comment by Ambrose Chase Tuesday, May 28, 19 @ 12:35 pm
–Skillicorn said Illinois should wait for the federal government to get a $2 trillion plan, which he estimates could bring $400 billion for the state.–
Tell us, professor, how did you determine that Illinois would receive 20% of this phantom two trillion?
Comment by wordslinger Tuesday, May 28, 19 @ 12:36 pm
Does Skillicorn believe the Illinois bill would fund every single needed project in the state and there would be nothing left for the feds to fund? Me thinks that list is never ending.
Comment by Former Downstater Tuesday, May 28, 19 @ 12:39 pm
Would the Federal Infrastructure funding only cover Interstate roads? I would imagine that state and county roads are in much worse shape at this point while acknowledging that the Interstates need work as well.
Comment by Former State Worker Tuesday, May 28, 19 @ 12:39 pm
No Teamsters?
Comment by City Zen Tuesday, May 28, 19 @ 12:46 pm
Fix the roads and bridges statewide. I travel nearly the entire State of Illinois by automobile and the surrounding states. The difference in the state of our roads compared to our neighbors is pretty dramatic. It is time we caught up.
Comment by Louis G. Atsaves Tuesday, May 28, 19 @ 12:48 pm
Given that Skillicorn is not aware of Trump’s recent temper tantrum. Must not have gotten any coverage on Fox. Federal infastructure program ain’t gonna happen
Comment by TominChicago Tuesday, May 28, 19 @ 12:51 pm
Did Rep. Skillicorn hear the President state he would not work with the Speaker as long as Democrats are investigating him? Does he expect Trump to eat his words?
Comment by anon2 Tuesday, May 28, 19 @ 12:52 pm
The existing largest federal grants (not loans) for infrastructure have averged about $20B a year in applications for under $4B in awards, with the largest awards being about $400M+/- with increasingly specific strings attached. The stimulus bill back under Obama ended up having about $50B+/- that was shovel ready only, with IL share being miniscule. Feds won’t spend the money on non-transportation/water projects, so what exactly are we waiting for?
Comment by Anon for Now Tuesday, May 28, 19 @ 12:53 pm
= Does he expect Trump to eat his words? =
Every day is a blank slate for Trump, it doesn’t matter what he said yesterday, or last week, he’ll just pretend it never happened.
Comment by cover Tuesday, May 28, 19 @ 1:16 pm
>a $2 trillion plan, which he estimates could bring $400 billion for the state
Why would Illinois get 20% of a federal infrastructure bill?
Comment by statehoss Tuesday, May 28, 19 @ 1:17 pm
>a $2 trillion plan, which he estimates could bring $400 billion for the state
Perhaps Skillicorn isn’t good at math. 50 states, Illinois = 1/50 or 2% = $40B. Might be a decimal problem.
Comment by What's in a name? Tuesday, May 28, 19 @ 1:27 pm
=Skillicorn said he trusts the president to get it done =
Wonder what he’ll say when that bridge in Brooklyn he bought falls down.
Comment by JoanP Tuesday, May 28, 19 @ 1:36 pm
Surely Skillcorn doesn’t mean a word he said. The Dems won’t give Trump anything to crow about before 2020 and we’d wouldn’t get $400 billion if the New Madrid fault gave way and every bridge from Cairo to Moline fell in the Mississippi.
Also, Former Downstater, Fed transportation dollars are often used for all types of state, county and municipal roadway projects.
Comment by Stooges Tuesday, May 28, 19 @ 1:38 pm
SillySkilly jumps behind the wheel of the clown car and slams into the BIG government brick wall. This morning he was attacking the chair of the Arts Council and now he wants Trump $$$.
Even CommandoIves and GovJunk did not look this foolish
Comment by Annonin' Tuesday, May 28, 19 @ 2:07 pm
Even “IF” there were to be an infrastructure bill in Washington, regardless of the amount, Illinois DOT does not have adequate state funds to for the required federal match. They can barely match the existing federal levels.
Comment by Anon Tuesday, May 28, 19 @ 3:59 pm