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House rejects transit bailout

By Kurt Erickson, the southern springfield bureau

Wednesday, November 28, 2007 10:26 PM CST

SPRINGFIELD - Republicans and downstate Democrats blocked efforts Wednesday to bail out Chicago area mass transit systems.

On a 57-53 vote, the Illinois House turned back a plan to pump $385 million into the bus and train systems. Opponents said they first need a guarantee that a statewide construction program is on the horizon.

The latest twist in the record-setting overtime session came just hours after Gov. Rod Blagojevich predicted the bailout would be approved.

"This is a big step forward," Blagojevich said during an afternoon press conference.

Blagojevich had called the General Assembly into a special session to take action on the financial woes facing mass transit in Chicago.

But, even before the House dumped the latest plan, Senate President Emil Jones said he didn't even have enough votes to get the measure through the Senate.

Like lawmakers in the House, a bloc of nine downstate Democrats in the Senate say they won't vote for the bailout without an accompanying plan for a statewide construction program.

"The votes, as it stands right now, aren't there," Jones said.

"You can't do one without the other," said Senate Minority Leader Frank Watson, R-Greenville. "I do think they both have to go together."

The proposal would have funneled $385 million in gas tax proceeds to the Chicago Transit Authority and suburban bus systems.

Opponents say that amount, combined with money Blagojevich wants to spend on expanding health care, would put the state in an even worse financial hole.

"It's not the dumbest bill that I've seen, but it's close," said state Rep. Frank Mautino, D-Spring Valley.

Critics also said the plan helps Chicago and ignores the construction needs of the remainder of the state.

"This is not the state of Chicago," said state Rep. Ed Sullivan, R-Mundelein

Not even transit officials were enamored with the plan, saying they'd have to bump fares up to 20 percent even if they got the state funding.

House Minority Leader Tom Cross, R-Oswego, called for an end to the political gamesmanship that has dominated the 2007 legislative session.

"It's the same thing that's been going on all year long. We're playing gotcha. We want to finger point. And it's why people are sick and tired of this body and this process," Cross said. "When are we going to stop?"

Although lawmakers are expected to meet again Thursday, no major action is expected for the time being.

The legislation is Senate Bill 307.

kurt.erickson@lee.net / (217)789-0865@lee.net / (217)789-0865