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Illinois Law Generates $1.5B to Save Public Transit From Fiscal Calamity
The Northern Illinois Transit Authority will oversee $1.5 billion annually to improve safety, reliability, and fare integration across CTA, Metra, and Pace systems.
- On Tuesday, Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed Senate Bill 2111 at Union Station, creating the Northern Illinois Transit Authority and delivering $1.5 billion annually for Illinois transit.
- Faced with a looming 2026 fiscal cliff, State lawmakers passed the measure after more than two years of debate to avert a projected $770 million gap as federal pandemic relief expired.
- Funding comes from redirected revenue streams, including $860 million from motor fuel sales tax diversion, $478 million from a 0.25% regional sales tax increase, $200 million from Road-Construction Fund interest, with 85% to NITA and 15% to downstate transit, while NITA replaces the Regional Transportation Authority.
- The law immediately spares transit systems from cuts, with safety initiatives led by the Cook County sheriff and a 2027 transit ambassador program; riders called it welcome, with CTA rider Linas Sutkus saying `I think it's great`.
- Looking ahead, debate centers on critics including Illinois Senate Minority Leader John Curran warning suburban taxpayers will pay more and lose representation, while advocates highlight nearly $150 million targeted outside Cook County.
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Pritzker signs $1.5B plan to overhaul public transportation, avoid service cuts - IPM Newsroom
Illinois Newsroom - Law raises money to allow Chicago-area transit agencies to avert financial disaster. The post Pritzker signs $1.5B plan to overhaul public transportation, avoid service cuts appeared first on IPM Newsroom.
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regionalmedianews.comHigher tolls and taxes for transit; Manufacturers urge energy veto; DCFS interns
(The Center Square) – In today's edition of Illinois in Focus Daily, The Center Square Editor Greg Bishop discusses the enactment of a bill Gov. J.B. Pritzker says ushers in a world class mass transit system. Opponents say the measure…
·Georgia, United States
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Coverage Details
Total News Sources45
Leaning Left12Leaning Right5Center14Last UpdatedBias Distribution45% Center
Bias Distribution
- 45% of the sources are Center
45% Center
L 39%
C 45%
R 16%
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