Lawmakers want to alter transportation bill
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CHICAGO – Members of Illinois’ congressional delegation are promoting changes to a U.S. House transportation bill they say would deprive the state of millions in highway funds and jeopardize Chicago’s transit system.
Democratic Congressman Daniel Lipinski joined Republicans Robert Dold and Judy Biggert on Tuesday in announcing amendments. The proposed changes would restore a portion of federal gasoline taxes for the funding of city transit programs. Without it, transit agencies would be more vulnerable to cuts.
They also seek to secure money for those large transportation projects with national significance.
The House members from the Chicago area also want what they consider a fair pre-tax benefit for transit riders to help ease road congestion.
House Republicans want a vote on the bill sometime after this week’s recess.
