SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — Gov. JB Pritzker told reporters in Springfield Thursday the Chicago transit bill is not dead, as there are still negotiations underway to try and get a funding and reform plan passed.
The Democrat is opposed to some of the tax ideas included in the House proposal to generate $1.5 billion. Their plan features a 7% amusement tax on streaming services, live shows and ticketed events, a $5 surcharge for ticketed events at large venues, a billionaire's tax and additional speed cameras in safety zones.
Some lawmakers and lobbyists doubt a transit bill can move out of either chamber Thursday, but Pritzker stressed it needs to get done.
"We all understand how important it is to fund transit throughout the state of Illinois," Pritzker said. "So, we're going to attempt to get it done ASAP."
Sponsors told WAND News Wednesday the transit bill will include roughly $220 million for downstate transit needs. That funding would go into a transit fund for downstate agencies within the Illinois Department of Transportation.
"This would just be increasing the amount of funding that's available for those agencies to access to be able to expand their systems," Rep. Eva-Dina Delgado said.
The governor hinted he may call a special session to address the transit plan if the measure does not pass by the end of veto session.
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