Hello everyone and happy Monday!
Last week, we saw Governor Pritzker sign the Mass Transit Bailout Bill that bails out Chicago transit at the expense of rural Illinoisans. We also saw a new report released that details a major energy crisis on the horizon here in Illinois due to green new energy policies. More information on both of these issues below.
Finally, I want to take this opportunity to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Governor Pritzker Signs Mass Transit Bailout
Last week, Governor Pritzker signed into law a $2.5 billion bailout of Chicago’s mass transit system. As previously mentioned in my previous newsletters, this bill was passed well after midnight on our final day of veto session this fall.
This bailout includes:
- Raises the RTA sales tax in the Chicago region
- Takes $1 billion from the Road Fund
- Raises tolls by 60% for passenger vehicles and 30% for commercial vehicles.
The Chicago Democrats’ Mass Transit Bailout breaks both the “lock box” and a longstanding road funding deal. In 2016, Illinois voters overwhelmingly approved the “Safe Roads” constitutional amendment to preserve motor fuel tax funds for road and bridge construction.
SB 2111 shifts $473 million each year away from downstate roads and bridges and sends it to the Chicago region for mass transit purposes.
The House Republicans were united in voting no for this terrible bill that makes downstate Illinois pay for Chicago’s mismanagement.
Looming Illinois Energy Crisis
A newly released study by three state agencies has detailed the ‘credible risk’ of electricity shortages across Illinois within the next five years.
The 2025 Resource Adequacy Study by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, the Illinois Power Agency, and the Illinois Commerce Commission warns that “conditions create a credible risk of regional capacity shortfalls that will impact Illinois’ future ability to import power during critical hours and may cause reliability issues.”
The majority party needs to stop their green new fantasies and focus on real results. A lack of affordable energy is one thing, but capacity shortfalls and reliability issues are downright dangerous.
Addressing this issue is one of my top priorities as we return to Springfield in January.
Community Outreach
I met with the administration at OSF Saint Katharine Medical Center in Dixon. They updated me on the progress of their transition in ownership, as well as their plans to expand rural healthcare in our region.
My office attended a ribbon cutting for the opening of Fairfield By Marriott Inn & Suites Dixon. This new hotel is a key addition to Dixon’s Gateway Project, and will bring more visitors into our area!
Museum Pass
Are you looking to visit one of the incredible museums across the Chicagoland area? Utilize my office’s FREE museum pass, allowing admission to any participating museum for up to four people.
Reservations are required and must be made by completing our request form, which can be completed by clicking here.
Community Calendar
The Community Calendar is a great resource to view upcoming events throughout our community in one streamlined location. To access this calendar, visit my website or click here.
Please note that as state ethics laws apply to this site, event restrictions apply. For-profit, political, or personal events will not be posted. Final decisions on which events are allowed are made at the discretion of the Office of Rep. Fritts.
Talk to you soon,
State Representative Bradley J. Fritts