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Pritzker says the majority of infrastructure money goes to Downstate

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[Rep. Tim Butler, R-Springfield] also said the measure appeared to give Democratic districts more money than Republican districts. He said everybody pays the same taxes and the infrastructure money should be distributed evenly.

“I would encourage the Democrats to reevaluate that as we roll through this,” Butler said. “This is a six-year plan. We have the opportunity to correct that and I think that’s something that we should do.”

Prtizker dismissed concerns that a disproportionate amount of capital dollars would be distributed to Democratic districts. He said Republican districts are getting billions in infrastructure spending.

First of all, what Rep. Butler is referring to are member initiatives, not the broader capital plan itself. The article doesn’t differentiate. As we’ve discussed before, Democrats did get more money than Republicans for member initiatives, but we’re talking about a difference of a few million bucks each in the context of a $45 billion capital plan.

* And, as noted above, the governor addressed this today when asked by the same reporter.

The fact is that a majority of the money from the infrastructure bill goes to Downstate Illinois. As you know, the many roads, the miles of roads all across the state, the bridges, the significant investment necessary, it’s in mostly Downstate Illinois.

Although there are Democrats in this area and across Downstate Illinois, most of that is represented by Republican Representatives and Senators. And I’m very much in favor of fairness here. I want to make sure we’re making the investments that are necessary.

Universities around the state are mostly, almost entirely in districts represented by Republicans. And that’s where hundreds of millions of dollars, in fact billions when you add it all up, are going. So, the money is getting distributed I think very fairly across the state.

Looking forward to the fact check on that one.

posted by Rich Miller
Friday, Jun 28, 19 @ 3:13 pm

Comments

Don’t hold your breath waiting for Politifact to fact check a liberal Democrat

Comment by Lucky Pierre Friday, Jun 28, 19 @ 3:38 pm
I think it’s clear that what Tim Butler is saying here is that the folks he represents should vote democratic in the next election. Bold move, admitting you can’t deliver for your district as well as the guys across the aisle - but I applaud his honesty

Comment by Lester Holt’s Mustache Friday, Jun 28, 19 @ 3:44 pm
And to think Downstate will soon be breaking off to form the 51st state.

Comment by up2now Friday, Jun 28, 19 @ 3:55 pm
I’d rather drive on dirt roads….

Comment by Unpopular Friday, Jun 28, 19 @ 4:05 pm
If you only count money for roads J.B. might be correct. If you include transit, it is probably about equal.

Comment by Just Me Friday, Jun 28, 19 @ 4:17 pm
“I’d rather drive on dirt roads….”

Here you go.

https://youtu.be/NaGi3sYr5tE

Comment by Grandson of Man Friday, Jun 28, 19 @ 4:27 pm

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