St. Louis Post Dispatch (Springfield Bureau)
Illinois downstate leaders lobby for capital plan
By KEVIN MCDERMOTT
6/10/2008
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Downstate Illinois legislators from both parties are making a renewed public push for a $34 billion infrastructure plan to rebuild the state's roads and bridges, arguing that legislative distrust of Gov. Rod Blagojevich shouldn't scuttle needed improvements and job creation.
But that distrust remains — especially among Illinois House leaders, who still aren't ready to hand over that kind of money to a governor who they say has a habit of breaking agreements.
Blagojevich, a Democrat, is campaigning for legislative approval of a major infrastructure renewal program that most agree is necessary to upgrade the state's road systems and school buildings.
"We're talking about 700,000 jobs," said state Rep. Jay Hoffman, D-Collinsville, Blagojevich's top House ally, one of several lawmakers at events Monday in Carbondale and East St. Louis to whip up support for the program. He called on House leaders to "put the pettiness and personalities aside" and approve the plan.
House Speaker Michael Madigan has insisted that his well-known personal conflicts with Blagojevich aren't the reason he has declined to allow a floor vote on the program. Madigan and others say Blagojevich's alleged failure to bargain in good faith — including rewriting last year's state budget to punish districts of unfriendly lawmakers — makes them hesitant to trust the administration with such a large on-going project.
Senate Minority Leader Frank Watson, R-Greenville, who joined Hoffman and others in East St. Louis, acknowledged Madigan's concerns, but insisted the plan is structured with enough legislative oversight.
"Trust is an issue ... but there are assurances in here" that the money will be spent as intended, Watson said.
The Legislature has adjourned for the summer, but Blagojevich could call lawmakers back into session if he and the legislative leaders reach agreement on an infrastructure plan.
Talks will continue Wednesday in Chicago.
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