The future of Illinois’ public transportation system is hanging in the balance, as stakeholders discussed the pressing challenges facing the transit landscape during a recent panel at the City Club of Chicago. The forum was aptly titled ‘How Do We Get There? The Future of Illinois Transit’ and was moderated by David Greising, president of the Better Government Association.
In his opening remarks, Greising highlighted the immediate fiscal crisis, stating, ‘We are at a moment where we’re facing the immediate fiscal cliff of $771 million.’ He emphasized the significance of recent legislative developments, noting that despite efforts, crucial transit funding legislation failed to pass on May 31, leading to a period of uncertainty regarding the future of transit funding in Illinois.
The panelists included significant players from both sides of the aisle: Sen. Don DeWitte (R-St. Charles), Rep. Kam Buckner (D-Chicago), and Jacky Grimshaw, Vice President for Government Affairs at the Center for Neighborhood Technology. Their diverse perspectives reflected the challenges they have collectively faced in Springfield.
Rep. Buckner opened the conversation with a nod to baseball, referencing notable dates in the history of Wrigley Field and how deals can quickly unfold in the political arena. He said, ‘Many folks remember the famous 8/8/88. Another date in ’88 was June 30 of ’88, which was when the clock stopped in Springfield.’ This alluded to the urgency and unexpected nature of legislative negotiations, particularly regarding funding for transit initiatives.
He noted that just as the 8/8/88 game created a buzz, the abrupt halt to transit funding discussions caught many by surprise. Buckner advised that stakeholders had been working collaboratively to propose a comprehensive package addressing governance and funding reforms but were left out of the legislative debate until the last minute.
Grimshaw shared her perspective and cited a month of advocacy spent lobbying in Springfield, explaining, ‘The advocates were represented by several groups,’ including several major organizations such as the Metropolitan Planning Council and the Illinois Environmental Council. While extensive efforts were made to collaborate, Grimshaw pointed out that not everyone was engaged in the crucial discussions.
Sen. DeWitte elaborated on the challenges faced during the legislative session, characterizing the process as ‘sausage-like’ in nature. He recalled how the funding and governance issues were rolled into the same bill and how that raised concerns among legislators on his side of the aisle regarding tax increases.
‘We had very little interest in pursuing additional tax increases,’ DeWitte remarked, expressing his view that abundant revenue was already flowing into the existing system. He reflected on the push for a substantial tax increase of $1.1 billion that would affect various sectors, including takeout meals, as problematic from a political standpoint.
The conversation shifted as panel participants weighed the merits of Sen. Villavalam’s proposal to transform the Regional Transportation Authority into a more dominant Northern Illinois Transit Authority. DeWitte raised concerns that such a governance change could undermine the interests of suburban voters.
In response, Grimshaw asserted, ‘There is no reason why anyone would want to steamroll the collar counties.’ She emphasized the necessity for both city and suburban transportation links, arguing that Chicagoans rely on Metra and Pace services just as much as suburban residents do.
Rep. Buckner further summarized public sentiment regarding transit initiatives, stating, ‘People don’t care about RTA or CTA or MMA… They care about GTW, get to work, GTS, get to school, and it’s our job, frankly, to GSD, which is get stuff done.’ His candid remarks underscored the need for actionable solutions that resonate with constituents.
Grimshaw then confronted DeWitte about his opposition to new revenue sources, such as taxing delivered food, which some have dubbed the ‘pizza tax.’
She pressed him, saying, ‘During Sen. Villavalam’s presentation to the transportation committee on this bill, he said, ‘If you have any ideas for revenue sources, bring them to me.’ Don, what are those revenue sources? You say you want to close the cliff—’closing the cliff’ cannot be accomplished through wishful thinking, it requires concrete revenue solutions.’
The audience laughed as DeWitte deflected Grimshaw’s inquiry, suggesting they were in discussions but shying away from negotiating at the table.
‘This is not just important for today, but we’re building the system for the future, and our legacy depends on this,’ Buckner asserted later in the discussion, signaling a need for unity among legislators to avoid future accountability for failing to act decisively.
As the panel drew to a close, they hinted at a potential summer legislative hearing coinciding with the Illinois State Fair, noting that many legislators would already be in Springfield during that period. That’s when critical discussions about transit funding could resume.
After the event, I had the chance to speak with Rep. Buckner regarding RTA Board Chair Kirk Dillard’s comments on the lack of balance between reform discussions and revenue generation. Buckner expressed that his primary regret was missing the opportunity to address funding without simultaneously laying out the operational parameters.
‘What I regret is that we found a way to fund between $800 million and a billion for transit without having parameters for how it’s supposed to work,’ Buckner conceded. Despite the setbacks, he maintained an optimistic outlook on resolving revenue matters soon.
When asked if he believed the issues would be addressed during the summer session, Buckner expressed confidence, stating, ‘I truly believe that. I don’t know if it will be the summer session or in October, but the next time we get back to Springfield, whenever that is.’
However, the impending delay until the fall veto session raises concerns that various transit agencies may be forced to implement drastic service cuts and layoffs if solutions aren’t realized promptly.
As discussions continue, stakeholders hope to foster effective policies that provide sustainable funding options for Illinois transit, recognizing the significance of the decisions being made now for future generations.
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