After three months of negotiation, the Illinois Senate has advanced a $45 billion package of infrastructure bills that will give the state its first construction plan in a decade.
In the years since its last construction plan, AAA has scored Illinois’ infrastructure a problematic “D,” owing to degradation in roads, bridges and public buildings. The new plan aims to reverse this through modernization of the state’s motor fuel tax, which has remained the same for nearly 30 years. Under the modern package, that tax would be linked to current inflation.
“We did our due diligence in this process to the tune of eight hearings during which we heard over 23 hours of testimony from more than 140 individuals,” state Sen. Martin Sandoval (D-Chicago), who helmed these infrastructure efforts, said. “I think we ended up with a high-quality product that reflects the most urgent needs in Illinois and fairly distributes funds throughout the state.”
Supporters project the bills could bring in more than 500,000 new jobs to Illinois when all is said and done. Funds raised could also go a long way to repairing some of the deteriorating infrastructure.
“Simply put, this proposal represents economic opportunity for our state,” Sandoval said. “Whether it be through the billions of dollars invested in our economy, the hundreds of new contracts that will be awarded to rebuild our state or the thousands of new jobs for Illinois’ hard-working men and women, this investment is going to be provide a boost to every Illinoisan.”