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.

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