Capitol Analysis

An ongoing debate over how state government should assist the Chicago-area's financially strapped mass-transit system focuses mostly on northeastern Illinois, but downstate transportation systems also could benefit by reaping millions of dollars more.

First, though, lawmakers must manage to agree on a transit-assistance plan. It's among the issues likely to be discussed when the General Assembly returns to Springfield for the fall "veto session" scheduled for Tuesday through Thursday and Oct. 10 to 12.