Indecision In Springfield Puts $9B In Federal Funds At Risk

CHICAGO (WBBM) -- On the eve of the General Assemby's special session in Springfield, two prominent Illinoisans who helped draft a 31 billion dollar capital spending plan are pleading for its passage.

WBBM's Regine Schlesinger reports that otherwise, Illinois stands to lose 9-billion dollars in federal money.

Governor Blagojevich enlisted former US House Speaker Denny Hastert and Southern Illinois University president Glenn Poshard to help write the infrastructure repair bill. The bill they came up with easily passed the Senate but stalled in the House.

Now, they're pleading for state representatives to pass it in the 2-day special session. Hastert says the political feud between the Governor and some of his fellow Democrats shouldn't get in the way.

The spending plan would be funded by building a new Chicago casino, expanding gambling and leasing the Illinois lottery. Poshard and Hastert warn that if lawmakers don't approve their bill, Illinois will lose 9 billion dollars in federal money for transportation, highways and other vital needs.

Print Page

Email This Page

Featured Audio

Featured Businesses Join the Network
DuPage Convention & Visitors Bureau--for Meeting Planners	Biological Resource Center of Illinois	Tony N' Tina's Wedding	Trusty Warns, Inc
Norton's U.S.A.	River North Chiropractic	Cioffi Salon & Spa	The Law Offices of Andrew Hays

Indecision In Springfield Puts $9B In Federal Funds At Risk

President Obama's Weekly Address

Republican Response to Weekly Address

Eating Right For Nov. 20, 2009

The Bears Report: Tom Thayer

Noon Business Hour 11-19-09 FULL SHOW

No Winners In Mega Millions, Jackpot Grows

Ill officials use $1.4M for homeowner counseling

Southbound Red Line trains skipping three stations through Saturday night

City planners OK new schools for DePaul

IL Tollway suspends construction lane closures for holiday weekend