SPRINGFIELD, IL. – United in support of a negotiated transit bill that addresses Illinois’ transit fiscal cliff and offers long overdue reforms to improve public transit across Illinois, the Illinois Clean Jobs Coalition (ICJC) and Labor Alliance for Public Transportation (LAPT) urge the Illinois General Assembly to vote YES in support of HB3438.
With the clock ticking, the Illinois General Assembly will have until midnight to vote on legislation that addresses Illinois’ $770 million fiscal cliff. The legislation also calls for necessary investments in our transit workforce and ensures transit agencies can deliver coordinated, cost-efficient regional transit service for all Illinoisans.
If the Illinois General Assembly fails to act, CTA, Metra and Pace will face dramatic cuts, including significant layoffs, slower or eliminated routes, station closures, and cancellation of planned expansions and necessary repairs. These drastic measures would further damage the region’s transit systems, cause massive disruptions to the Illinois economy and workforce, and contribute to more cars on the road, leading to increased traffic and pollution.
“The time to act and secure dedicated, sustainable funding for our transit systems is now,” stated Tim Drea, Illinois AFL-CIO President. “Public transportation is not a luxury – it is a lifeline for millions across Illinois. We need to ensure we are investing in transit for generations to come with a new, dedicated revenue source and reforms that will provide riders with the quality, world-class transit system that they deserve. Without action today, pink slips will go out, and service cuts will follow, jeopardizing access and the ability to get to and from work, healthcare, childcare, and so much more, for the communities who need it the most.”
“HB3438 represents a historic moment – for the first time, labor, environmental, and transit advocates are sitting at the same side of the table together to fight for the future of our state and our economy,” said Amy Rynell of the Illinois Clean Jobs Coalition. “The monumental reforms in HB3438 will improve safety and rider experience, better integrate service across Metra, Pace, and the CTA, including one fare to ride the whole system, and increase the frequency and speed of service across the region. The legislature must pass these reforms and pair them with a $1.5 billion investment in transit by midnight tonight to get people to and from work, school, and doctor’s appointments safely, quickly, and cost-effectively.”
info@ilcleanjobs.org