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Blagojevich adds twist to mass transit bailout

Posted January 10, 2008 10:00 pm

Doug Finke

Illinois lawmakers finally approved a Chicago-area mass transit bailout Thursday, but Gov. Rod Blagojevich ensured the months-long saga isn't over.

Blagojevich, who repeatedly has pledged to oppose any increase in the state income or sales tax, said that "in the spirit of compromise," he would accept the funding plan that calls for a small sales tax increase in northeastern Illinois.

At the same time, though, Blagojevich said he will amend the bill to give senior citizens free rides on any mass transit system anywhere in the state. He said the move will lessen the impact of the sales tax increase on the elderly who live in the Chicago area.

"What I will do is take a lemon and make lemonade," Blagojevich said at a news conference after the vote.

By making changes, though, the bill won't become law until legislators take further action. House Speaker Michael Madigan, D-Chicago, expects Blagojevich's changes will be approved.

"He (Madigan) wants to congratulate the governor on breaking his campaign promise," said Madigan spokesman Steve Brown. "He expects the legislature will accept (the changes)."

Lawmakers, who aren't scheduled to return to Springfield until February, are expected to be called back into session next week to take final action. The transit systems say they need a funding plan in place by Jan. 20 to avert drastic fare increases and service cuts.

The bill approved Thursday - House Bill 656 - was the same one that fell one vote short of approval Wednesday night in the Senate. Most Republicans and nine downstate Democrats refused to support any mass transit bailout until they had a chance to vote on a public works construction bill that would pay for road, bridge and school projects throughout the state.

One of those Democrats, Sen. James Clayborne of Belleville, changed his mind Thursday and gave the mass transit bill the final vote it needed to pass the Senate.

"I didn't believe we were going to change Madigan's opinion and come up with a capital bill," Clayborne said. "I want a capital bill. I think everyone wants a capital bill. But until Madigan sits at the table and decides we're going to negotiate in good faith, why should we jeopardize services in Chicago?"

Some lawmakers believe that what may be jeopardized are chances of passing a capital bill anytime soon.

"It's going to make it more difficult," said Sen. John Sullivan of Rushville, leader of the downstate Senate Democrats.

"There's some real concern about whether there is enough will and pressure now to get this thing done," said Sen. David Koehler, D-Peoria. "We're going to push for it. We're not going to let up the pressure."

Shortly after the bill passed the Senate, it was approved in the House, where House Minority Leader Tom Cross, R-Oswego, also hoped to get a companion capital bill passed.

"No question, there's a leverage issue that's gone, but there's still a need there," Cross said.

Supporters of the bailout argued that a healthy mass transit system in the Chicago area benefits the entire state. Sen. Rickey Hendon, D-Chicago, said mass transit is a vital part of Chicago's bid to land the 2016 Olympic games.

"If Chicago loses, the whole state loses," Hendon said.

The funding bill that passed was one favored by Madigan. Another plan, backed by Blagojevich, called for $385 million in sales tax revenue from gasoline purchases to be diverted to mass transit. The House also approved that plan Wednesday, but it was never called for a vote in the Senate. Critics said it would have blown a $385 million hole in the state budget.

The bill that went to Blagojevich provides an additional $50 million for downstate mass transit systems. Blagojevich's office estimated that the free bus rides for seniors will cost downstate systems a total of $1 million.

Doug Finke can be reached at (217) 788-1527.

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